Thoughts on the untimely death and quiet resurgence of manly rituals

[drandall]

a few weeks ago, i found myself in the position of trying to explain my newfound interest in traditional wet shaving to a friend of mine. he's a thoroughly modern fellow and he uses modern shaving tools because, well...it's what modern guys do.

as i described the process to him, the paraphernalia, the pleasure, the advantages....one item provoked the strongest reaction. he was dismayed and appalled that i took 20 minutes to shave in the morning and that's really when it hit me. when you look at the rise of technology and the death of manly rituals, inevitably the clock is to blame. we have sacrificed a whole host of pleasures on the altar of time and we are ultimately the poorer for it.

the pipe gives way to the cigarette. the ocean liner gives way to the airplane. the restaurant becomes the drive-through and the conversation becomes the text message...and all because we, as men, continue to believe that if we could just save a bit more time in our day we'd be able to really get to the things we wanted to do. ironically, in the pursuit of having enough time to do what we want we are forced to dilute or discard the very things we wanted in the first place...and so our vitality dwindles away with every tick of the relentless clock.

perhaps that is why in some sense we're all here at B&B. we want to recapture a forgotten pleasure. we want to revel in the luxury of choosing what we do with our morning routine and most of all, we want to remember the simple joy of not taking the quickest or most expedient road, but the sweet meandering path of our own curiosity.

this weekend as i was rushing through a morning shave i thought about all of this. i took a breath, and remembered that there was nothing on the agenda that couldn't wait just a few minutes more. in the moment of that realization, i became once again the master of the clock instead of its servant and my little daily ritual took on an added sweetness that hadn't been there just a moment before.

i wish for everyone here a similar moment of timeless indulgence. in the day to day flow of obligation and expectation, i encourage you to find a moment to ignore the demands of the clock and take pleasure in this mutual interest we all share. gentlemen, i wish for you all a truly excellent shave.

[ColbyPants]

+1

That, sir, is one very well put post. That is exactly why I am here, to take my time and enjoyu what I once rushed through, and to revel in one of the things that makes a guy, a guy.


Well said.

[THECHEBB]

i wish for everyone here a similar moment of timeless indulgence. in the day to day flow of obligation and expectation, i encourage you to find a moment to ignore the demands of the clock and take pleasure in this mutual interest we all share. gentlemen, i wish for you all a truly excellent shave.

Amen to that!

[SMOKE]

Very well said Sir! Since I shave both my head and face every day I allow ample time to truly enjoy the shave every day!!! A task I formerly dreaded!

Regards,

[thirdeye]

I thank you sir. We live to and run to live but does it all really make any sense? I hurry because I'm late but mostly hurry just to wait.
I agree, slow down and enjoy the moment because just like that...it's gone!

[Private Pwnage]

that was a beautiful post, almost poetry :redface:

[riooso]

It is important not to waste time, it is the only thing you can sell, but can never buy. In today's society where everything is blended, squeezed and processed there is a loss of texture in our lives and that makes it a quality of life issue. I wet shave because the shave that I get starts the day with a quality experience that carries on thought the day. Good post.

Take Care,
Richard

[jazzman]

Thank you for putting it so clearly. I don't know how old you are, but this is a trend that has plagued me for my 50 plus years. One simple example from my working life: Business letters that required a prompt response still allowed a little time for thought. They were replaced by faxes, requiring faster responses, which were replaced by emails requiring instant responses without any time for careful reflection. Are we better off?

[AustinC9]

May I just say, very well said!

[gabeyb]

Reasonably well put, good man.

[Mr Mockett]

Hear hear! The clock is our greatest foe!

[Roman414]

And what happened to all that time we save? How many people only have to work a thirty-hour week becuse of all the time-saving devices? Or have time to write a novel and take up mountain-climbing? When my old granny served chicken for dinner, first she had to chase one down and kill it and pluck it. My wife grabs one out of the refrigerator, ready to go. And compains that "there just aren't enough hours in the day". What happened? I think we have all been diddled on this "time-saving" stuff.

[gabeyb]

And what happened to all that time we save? How many people only have to work a thirty-hour week becuse of all the time-saving devices? Or have time to write a novel and take up mountain-climbing? When my old granny served chicken for dinner, first she had to chase one down and kill it and pluck it. My wife grabs one out of the refrigerator, ready to go. And compains that "there just aren't enough hours in the day". What happened? I think we have all been diddled on this "time-saving" stuff.

Don't you think this is a discipline issue? Technology and modern marvels can save us time, but how do we spend that extra time? I use to watch WAY too much TV. I'm on this forum way too much (B&B. Why can't I quit you?). I do too much freelance design outside of my day job. I'm spreading myself thin and wondering where all the time has gone.

More time is like a bigger house. Most people want it. But when they get it, they just fill it with junk.

[Oxi]

Hear hear! The clock is our greatest foe!
Nowadays there are lots of people that enjoy traffic jams when they go to work in the morning. They have a little peace and quiet in their car. Makes sense, they hurry their shave, their breakfast and other manly rituals, but we still need our rest.

I enjoy getting out of bed in my own time, enjoy the 20-minute shave, eat my breakfast and then cruise to work, luckily without any traffic jams. That way, I can start my day in a relaxed state of mind.

[hook_em_horns]

+1

My daughter now runs into the bathroom when I'm shaving and waits anxiously to roll the brush for me (I Method Shave exclusively--"rolling the brush" is simply making an "OK" sign with your thum and forefinger around the base of the bristles and coaxing all of the remaining mix up and out). It's a simple little routine that makes me smile and I hope continues as fond memories for her. Wetshaving gives me a framework to start each day on _my_ terms.

[dgauvreau]

Great insight into how technology that's meant to be time-saving ends up diminishing our quality of life. Even look at the evolution of well-thought-out handwritten letters...to the telephone phone..to email...to IM and "twittering". Though we all benefit from increased inter-connectedness, we also often communicate in half-thoughts and phrases, and the medium allows us to be reactionary instead of thoughtful.

I think much of my appreciation of wet-shaving stems from the fact that it slows down my day enough to do something for myself that's mindful and attentive. You have to be in the moment, or it's gonna make you pay (love that..it's like instant kharma with a blade.) And I think it's why I like purchasing all of the soaps and creams...they enhance that 15 minutes that I carve out for myself every day.

[elveeskee]

Eloquently said, man!

You are absolutely right about "shortcuts" made to everyday things as well as the Death of Manly Rituals.

Last week I was in Charleston, SC for a wedding and a couple of friends of mine (A male and a female) were in my hotel room hangin' out. Well, I decided to pull out some clothes and proceeded to iron them and my two friends were looking at me like I was crazy!
They said,"Don't you send yer stuff to the dry cleaners?!?!". I told them that I iron my clothes myself and that I actually enjoy it. "A zen thing", I told'em.
I gave them a quick lesson (I am 38 and they are both in thier late 20's) on the satisfaction of not only doing something for yourself, but The Lost Art of Manliness (http://men.msn.com/chan_printarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=7542349).
My guy buddy laughed and scoffed, but my female friend understood and said that many of the guys she has dated were shortcutters and wished guys didn't always take the quick route:blush::rolleyes:.
Actually, she was pretty impressed! Especially when I pulled out my '59 Fatboy!:wink:

It's good to know that we here at the Badger and Blade are keeping the torch lit.:cool:

[Jim]

Wonderful post David, I could not agree with you more.

[ouch]

I know it's only Monday, but if this isn't go to be the post of the week I don't know what will.

This thread arrived in a particularly timely fashion for me, as I have just returned from vacation at the Grand Canyon, where a million years is the tick of a clock. Perhaps it is our inibility to resolve the concept of our mortality that forces us to squeeze every last second out of our day. This may be misguided, for although Einstein has shown us that the faster you move the slower time goes, when you pause and free yourself, time can stand still.

[norman931]

Excellent post, David. Another characteristic of those born pre- 1950 (at least around here) is their fondness for gardening. When I was a boy, every house had a well-kept garden. The bigger, the better. On Saturdays, all the old guys would be out there puttering in their gardens, and happy to be there. You could go to the store and buy a can of purple hull peas for a quarter, but that's no fun! I spent many an afternoon shelling those things and watching my fingers turn purple. Baby boomers like myself just buy the cans from the supermarket, but we're missing a rewarding experience, IMO.

To illustrate how serious my Grandfather was about gardening, one year he broke his leg just before planting time. He quickly rounded up help to get the seeds in the ground, and in a very few days, he was back out there with a cast on his leg, running a tiller up and down the rows.

[copperhead]

David, thank you for putting down your thoughts into words to share with us.

[castlecraver]

Absolutely stunning post. I couldn't agree with you more. Much better to smell the roses so to speak than cram in as many frivolous experiences into our limited time here as we can.

[kestrel]

drandall

Quite right. We've become so anxious about saving time that we have forgotten how to spend it. Thanks for the reminder, and I hope your shaves are truly excellent. too.

Best Regards

Graham

[Seaforth!]

Thank you sir for a well written moment of time.

[letterk]

What a great read to start the week!

[otherstar]

Great post. The 75 things every man should know are also wonderful. So many people today are just not as well rounded as they used to be (myself included).

[wksimple]

Great post! That made my day.

I am fortunate to live in a small town and only need to travel 2 miles to work, so I don't get much "me time" in the car. The 15-20 minutes I take shaving is MY time. I wouldn't trade it for anything. It just starts the day off unrushed and relaxed.

And may I add that I have never been part of a discussion forum that has made me feel more welcome than B&B. Thanks to all.:thumbup1:

[mankini]

As I read all the posts in this thread it acted as a signal to slow down for me. I have been reading a book capturing the essence of self and awareness so this helped me remember what to do. Without getting deep I just want to add a reminder to all (myself included) to stop for even just a few seconds try 30 and listen to the noise around you. How do you react to it? Do it now.

My bet is the background noise is consuming you, nibbling at your time, vying for your attention, in small chunks. Where does our time go, look no further than just how much we try to cram into a day. The morning shave starts off my day, after a peacful nights rest I want that feeling to last as long as possible. The zen like state you can enter whilst wet shaving, listening to every whisker pop off your face, seeing your results smiling back at you when you finish that last dap of aftershave. Smile back at yourself at the end of the shave knowing you are ready to take it slow (at least in your head :001_smile).

[soapbox]

I can't let this wonderful post pass without comment -- I really enjoyed it, and thank you for your time making the essay.

On the other hand, Thoreau also said "Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify." I leave it to the readers to decide if our shaving rituals are more or less complicated than the cartridge-and-goo method; Thoreau (who eschewed shaving) might say that shaving itself is a waste of time when there's so much more out there to see during that 30 minutes each day, but I would say that it's a great time of the day for introspection and mentally preparing for the day.

[burnwood]

:a14::a14::a14::a14::a14::a14::a14::a14::a14::a14: :a14::a14::a14:

[Zeni]

I'd love to comment on this post but ran out of time.

[barberofdeville]

a few weeks ago, i found myself in the position of trying to explain my newfound interest in traditional wet shaving to a friend of mine. he's a thoroughly modern fellow and he uses modern shaving tools because, well...it's what modern guys do.

as i described the process to him, the paraphernalia, the pleasure, the advantages....one item provoked the strongest reaction. he was dismayed and appalled that i took 20 minutes to shave in the morning and that's really when it hit me. when you look at the rise of technology and the death of manly rituals, inevitably the clock is to blame. we have sacrificed a whole host of pleasures on the altar of time and we are ultimately the poorer for it.

the pipe gives way to the cigarette. the ocean liner gives way to the airplane. the restaurant becomes the drive-through and the conversation becomes the text message...and all because we, as men, continue to believe that if we could just save a bit more time in our day we'd be able to really get to the things we wanted to do. ironically, in the pursuit of having enough time to do what we want we are forced to dilute or discard the very things we wanted in the first place...and so our vitality dwindles away with every tick of the relentless clock.

perhaps that is why in some sense we're all here at B&B. we want to recapture a forgotten pleasure. we want to revel in the luxury of choosing what we do with our morning routine and most of all, we want to remember the simple joy of not taking the quickest or most expedient road, but the sweet meandering path of our own curiosity.

this weekend as i was rushing through a morning shave i thought about all of this. i took a breath, and remembered that there was nothing on the agenda that couldn't wait just a few minutes more. in the moment of that realization, i became once again the master of the clock instead of its servant and my little daily ritual took on an added sweetness that hadn't been there just a moment before.

i wish for everyone here a similar moment of timeless indulgence. in the day to day flow of obligation and expectation, i encourage you to find a moment to ignore the demands of the clock and take pleasure in this mutual interest we all share. gentlemen, i wish for you all a truly excellent shave.

AMEN!
(shameless plug)
Now fly, take a boat, steal acar for that matter and come see me so i can show you another part of long forgotten pleasures a true man pampering experiance of the enjoyable barbers shave. The shave is free so you would be saving money...lmao

Oh and you forgot the other thing we gave up. Fathers use to take there sons shopping for hats. The fadora in particular (which all of us look good in). speaking of manly rituals.

[Presently42]

Your thoughts and opinions are shared by many, even historically.

During Roman times, when the water clock was just beginning to be disseminated in Rome, a senator was quoted as saying that a man should eat when he is hungry and not when a mechanical device tells him he ought to be hungry.

I must agree with this. Humanity invented the clock to which we have now become subservient. This becomes most apparent during and after the Industrial Revolution.

Yet, there is hope. I do believe that after these three hundred odd years since Adam Smith published The Wealth of Nations, humanity is slowly becoming aware of this subservience — and is rejecting it utterly.

That David and so many others of this great board have sufficient moxie to speak out (eloquently) against the tyranny of time is both wonderful and a harbinger of change.

Shall we live in interesting times?

[john.crissman]

I know it's only Monday, but if this isn't go to be the post of the week I don't know what will.
...
This may be misguided, for although Einstein has shown us that the faster you move the slower time goes, when you pause and free yourself, time can stand still.

This thread keeps breeding wisdom.

[drandall]

thanks to everyone for their comments and insights. i'm glad you enjoyed the post.

[johnniegold]

Excellent post. Thank you.

Every morning, before work, I have a shiny D/E razor in my hand loaded with a precision piece of metal, a luxuriantly soft shaving brush whipping up some meringue-like peaks of thick, creamy lather which is being warmed in a scuttle made by a very nice woman in Nova Scotia and after a fantastic three-pass shave in a steam-filled room, I finish it off with some invigorating aftershave from some different part of the globe all the while listening to some classic jazz by Paul Desmond Chet Baker, Miles Davis or Nat King Cole on the piano or the vocal stylings of Frank or Dino (the real mellow, bluesy stuff). Just before getting dressed I apply an edt, its scent will revisit me throughout the day and remind me of the wonderful ritual that I set aside an extra 20 minutes every morning to allow myself to experience.

That doesn't just make me feel good, that makes me feel great. :thumbup1:

[royalcrown]

Well, I decided to pull out some clothes and proceeded to iron them and my two friends were looking at me like I was crazy!


Is it really getting common for folks to not iron there own cloths??

[SilkySmooth]

I know it's only Monday, but if this isn't go to be the post of the week I don't know what will.



+1

[elveeskee]

Is it really getting common for folks to not iron there own cloths??

Sadly with the younger generation as evidenced by my two friends...yes.
Again, the time factor...places to go, people to see, yadda yadda yadda.

Greetings to you in Yokosuka! Lived there from '91-'93 (military brat). Father was stationed on the Midway then the Indy. I worked at the pools, Seaside, Green Beach, BOQ, Officer's Club and the Marina.
Man, I miss the food!

[s&g'sdad]

Nice post David. I got into traditional de shaving to have an escape from all the technology and return to a simpler time so to speak. As I get on in years(38) , and my children get older and the world's economic situation getting bleaker, I find myself longing for the simpler, less complicated times of my youth. As I type this, my son is playing the wii and my daughter is bothering me to use the computer. Sadly, these are going to be the "old ways and things" they talk about when they are grown. It's our own fault. It's become too easy to fall into the technology trap and become wooed. I'm guilty as well, obviously, as I am addicted to B&B. Therefore, we stopped cable T.V. and will stop the cell phone when the contract is up. It's only 2 small things, but 2 large moral victories for us! Now we have to work on the kids' addiction to wii! Anyway, just my thoughts.
Aaron

[DaveF]

Great post.

Aaron, regarding the Wii, instead of warring with your kids to break their addiction (a fight that will make no one happy), why not join them? I play the Wii with my son (he's 5) almost every night, while my 2-yr-old daughter watches and cheers us on. We race each other in Mario Kart, he helps me gather stars in Super Mario Galaxy, and yesterday I picked up Boom Blox and he and I had a blast trying to knock each other's castles over.

I find it is a great way to interact with my kids after dinner and before bath or bedtime. Technology doesn't have to be the enemy! :001_smile

Just a thought,
Dave

[bigmo]

My Grandfather once told me "This world goes so fast, if it goes any faster its going to blow up." Technology is a burden it saves us time so we can do more and enjoy less. As I grow older I find myself resisting modern ideas and ways for things that are simpler, they may require more work, but I find myself truly enjoying it.

[ex-bugonaut]

I hurry because I'm late but mostly hurry just to wait.

Worthy of Dr. Seuss himself!

And thanks Drandall for reminding us of the Zen of mindful shaving.

[Good_Things]

+1 and thank you. I am utterly convinced that classic things, items, clothes, etc. are necessities in life. When I decided to pursue DE wetshaving, I remembered back to being a kid and seeing my grandfather shave like that. I think of all the soldiers in WWII and Vietnam that wetshaved. It looks classy and is classy. It may include many new items that, before taking up this hobby, I would've considered feminine just due to multitude of products, but I truly feel more manly.

I enjoy this hobby and take my time with it. I'm actually excited each morning to shave. I feel like a gentleman each time I shave and realize I make myself presentable when I walk outside and go to work.

Life is about quality...enjoy what you do.

That was one of the best posts I've read...ever.

[usqview]

truly lovely david!

thank you for the well stated post.

tv is one of the biggest time killers out there. getting hooked on a weekly/daily program that ends up commanding your non-work schedule. personally once i started to break myself of the tv cycle i found myself with so much more time to enjoy things like woodworking, spending 45 minutes on a luxury straight shave, writing... these activities invariably lends a sense of accomplishment and gratification that tv never could.

cheers,
ryan

[D. B. Cooper]

+1 to the original post

[Doc4]

I know it's only Monday, but if this isn't go to be the post of the week I don't know what will.



And now it's Friday afternoon, and hopefully all my B&B friends down south are off celebrating a long weekend and various patriotic activities. Me, I'm still here at work.

Ah well, the weekend will be the time for a few simple pleasures. I think I'll go for a multi-pass shave tomorrow, have a good cup of coffee, mow the lawn, and kiss my sweetheart. That should take up most of the morning. (French press, french kiss ... :lol:)

Spend you time with a purpose. As Kipling said "if you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds' worth of distance run, yours is the earth and everything that's in it. And, which is more, you'll be a Man, my son." Fine words; I will add a coda for relaxation. Yes, you fill the unforgiving minute if you can. But sometimes, you fill it with sixty seconds' worth of sitting quietly. Don't waste time, but use it wisely ... even when using it for rest.

Enjoy the weekend guys! Smell the roses.

[BurmaShaver]

The sheer number of responses to this post attests to the truth within it.

Wet shaving has helped me start the day slower and saner.

[Bill Smith]

Well said, we have traded quality of life for convience and it in the end sucks.

[BatNastard]

I think this sums up exactly why I like proper shaving (that and, the hairs don't get stuck in the blade(s)). We dropped cable when we moved 2.5 years ago, never miss it except for some red sox games. We listen to lots of vinyl too - same basic philosophy.

[Stan41]

First day I have been to this website. Thoroughly enjoyed this thread. When I retired a few years ago I decided there were two small things I was going to do: One was quit wearing a wrist watch, the other was to quit carrying keys. Did both.
Since then I have pretty well quit watching TV. I watch probably 1/2 hour per month. You would be amazed how much time that frees up.
I also enjoy tending my garden.
Stan41

[PolieCat]

drandall, what a nice---and accurate---post.

[Tyrfingr]

Timeless indulgence has always been a quiet motto of mine. When work is over i would get out and put it behind me and focus on the rest of the day, prefferably with my feet on the table. Or the straight in my hand and take all the time i need to finish. :biggrin: You don't have to keep being frenetically active all the time to feel like you're doing something with your life. It does the mind and body well to do whatever it is that makes you feel at ease, that is life in it's essence.

[nuovorecord]

Wow! Well-stated, man. Thanks for the effort!

[barberofdeville]

Good now that you have all realized the error of your ways. Come see me on saturday and get a traditional shave with all the hot towels hot lather and oils and the massage it takes to lather you up for about a 45 minute experiance and relax...lol no really seek out some purveyor of the shave that knows what he or she is doing and enjoy some you time.:001_smile

[Laz]

Great post and responses.

[-PO-]

David, great freaking thread you hit the nail on the head with this one.

[poppi]

I've not been on the board long and just read this. Well said by all. The older I get, the less I like alot of the "modern life".

Right now I think I need to go out and get a wide brim hat and a walking stick

[texcattlerancher]

David, that is an excellent post. I feel better after reading it. Thank you for that well written introspective. Speaking of being a master of the clock, I think I will now close up my briefcase, put on my hat (yes, I'm a little old-fashioned), go home and have an old-fashioned home cooked meal with the family at one table, and then afterward read something to my young daughter. Good evening.

[RoyalKooparillo]

Excellent bit of wisdom for the modern age!

Very insightful. :smile:

[evil.monkey.in.my.closet]

WHAT is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?—

No time to stand beneath the boughs,
And stare as long as sheep and cows:

No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass:

No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night:

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance:

No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began?

A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.


I wish I was smart enough to have written this......

[Backno]

I have found as a 23 year old guy this is so true. I am enjoying the whole ritual of shaving now and my SWMBO enjoys it too ;) .

[redoak]

Awesome Post!..... Thanks for sharing a great message....

[Phog Allen]

Indeed sir. Well said and hear, hear. It is funny to watch the looks of fellows at work who think I teeter on senility when I describe my toiletry locker and daily shave routine. They truly don't know what they are missing.

Regards, Todd

[Rem Freeman]

Wonderfully said. I think you are exactly right. We all enjoy the creams, the soaps, the brushes, but no one ever points out that in doing all this, we are not just going against the culture for what we use, but even more in how we do it. I think our abilities to put our wants before the restraints we've grown used to because of constraints in time help not only to set us apart, but to bring us together.

[Digit01]

Great post!

I started wet shaving about 3 months ago or so because the modern shaving method left my face torn. Also I knew that there had to be a better way. After searching the net I came across this web forum.

Ever since I started shaving this way I can never go back. I enjoy the morning ritual too much to give it up. Just like I would much rather sit down with a nice cigar rather than smoke a crappy cigarette. Just like I'd rather spend $15 on a local brewed 6-pack rather then getting a 6-pack of Bud. It is these finer things in life that make it so enjoyable.

[christopherh]

That was the most thought provoking post I have seen...

[Tigger23505]

Oddly enough shortcuts rarely save as much time as we think that they will.

I noticed several years ago that even done badly, a brush lather shave, is a marvelous ritual. Thanks to Mantic's videos my brush lather is now much better than the goop from the Barbasol (r) can. I've just about ditched my daily shaver of about 12 years a Norelco electric :lol:.

Because of habits that I have developed over many years of electronic troubleshooting I am in the process of developing my routine: Gillette Adj. razors; assorted blades from WCS. Methodically changing the settings on the Adj. razors for the best job.

--
festina lente

[synergie]

+1

That's an OG post.

[Isaac]

This is an excellent post...and a great point of view :)

[moose-o]

Thanks for sharing with us :001_smile

You hit the nail right on the head with that post.

[Garrett]

well said - it is my moment of peace and isolation each day!

[thecoalition]

very well thought and put. I have come to realize many of the same things in the past few months. Now I wake up early on my shave days (yes i am the (un)lucky one who doesn't have to shave everyday) and I really take my time getting ready for the day.

[wchnu]

Well shot...... more people need to think like us and the world would be a better place.

[Blue Moon]

My descent into hard core wet shaving madness mirrors another of my hobbies. About 3 years ago I really got into coffee. First, I bought a hand grinder. Then, I started roasting my own coffee rather than getting it from the store. About 9 months ago, my electric coffee maker died, so I bought a Chemex, which is an old-school, glass and wood manual pourover coffee maker. I also actually learned how to use a french press coffee maker correctly. Since all of this, I have seen many good deals on new electric coffee makers and new electric grinders and can't bring myself to buy them. I think the reason why is that there is something about slowing down and taking the time to do things well and connect with the activity rather than be a spectator of the activity.

Of course there is a place for things done quickly -- I use a Mach 3 on my head, I have a DVR to zip through SportsCenter, I like Sonic chili cheese dogs... But why rush mediocrity when you have the opportunity to savor quality? Three passes of a Merkur or a Superspeed followed by sipping a cup of Sidamo on the couch beats 45 seconds of Norelco and gulping Starucks Triple Brownie Fudge Latte at 65 mph any day :cool:

[Giant]

Fantastic post. I couldn't agree more. Shaving is the one time of the day that I can slow down, and do things for my own pure enjoyment

Being 22, a lot of my friends bug me, and say that I am going backwards, and becoming more and more old fashioned as opposed to more modern. I take this as a compliment. At least one of my friends has converted based solely one the fact that I actually enjoy, and indeed look forward to shaving, rather than dreading it as most of my friends do.

[ShaneC]

It's odd, I'm 27, nearing 28 - I have my cell phone. That wasn't enough, so I also have a pager. I also have the cell phone linked to my email accts, and I'm able to use it as a modem for the laptop, because I never know what I'll have to do at any given point in the day. I work a minimum of 8hrs per day, 5 days a week, as I have for 10+ years now. Long gone are the "on-call rotations", and I've spent the past 4 years being the "on-call guy" - in addition to my normal 8 hour days.

I'm almost constantly doing things "for work" (btw, I'm salary :( ) There are times I wake up at 6:30am and I'm already behind, be it a missed call that should have woken me up, or just the onslaught of calls I'll get before I even leave the house to go to work.

I am 'that guy'.

Meanwhile, as I'm nearing 28, I'm taking up DE Wet-Shaving, trying to expand my vinyl collection (it's tiny...) Some of my best/favorite stereo gear (another hobby of mine) was made before I was ever thought of...a couple pieces before my mom was born. I don't know if I still have a wrist watch, but I know where my pocket watch is.

I'd rather go to a barber than a stylist.

I think I've known how to work a computer for nearly 20 years now, but I still sometimes wish I had a typewriter, or at least better hand writing.

I have no idea where I'm going with this....

...and no matter how hard I try, I can't pull off wearing a Fedora.

[wchnu]

Some one say fedora?

[Clockwork John]

...and no matter how hard I try, I can't pull off wearing a Fedora.

Try a flat cap or a bowler. There's more than one look that says "old-fashioned class."

I tip my hat to you, drandall(yes, I wear a hat daily. Either a flat cap or a bowler). This thread has helped put things back in perspective... again.

I should probably get off the computer now. I could use a shave... and I've got a pipe that needs smoking, and boots that need polishing, and a garden that needs tending...

[ctakim]

For me there is a bit of zen in the shaving ritual, much like the art of tea making. Although I started wet shaving to avoid the razor burn and ingrown hairs, the process is now the most important aspect, not the outcome (which is also good!).

[Giant]

...and no matter how hard I try, I can't pull off wearing a Fedora.

The key to pulling off a fedora is combining it with the Buddy Holly glasses and a skinny tie, to go for that true 50's look.

[Jamestellban]

Wow, I'm just 21. However, I totaly agree with this! Mind if I use your post somewhere else (with credit of course)? I have no idea where yet, but its so true!

[jeffinkalamazoo]

Great post David, I could not agree with you more.

[theknifeman]

beautiful

[dixee6]

Dude,.......you brought tears to my eyes on that one. No but really I was about to skip this post until I for some reason took the TIME to read it. I had almost forgotten,.........and I'm glad you were there to remind me. And us all......

[Bolle]

Well written. But its not just time that is the problem here, its the way people think. Somehow comercials seem to brainwash people in to thinking thath new is good and old is bad. When in fact its the other way around. We that wet-shave know that.

And yeas, its true, we live in a time where everyone lives in stress and the moore time you can save the better =(.

Great post man!

[Wisdom]

This is the Age of the Internet and Instant Gratification.. Not only does society seem to strive for and value efficiency and expediency, but they unfortunately feel entitled to it and everything else. How many people have you interviewed or worked with that had that annoying air of entitlement?

I'm not as young or old as many of you here (30), but I still feel that satisfaction and everything else should be something one has to work for. It's reassuring to see so many "whipper-snappers" on the board who keep this spirit alive..

Just as a clarification.. taking my time with a luxurious shave is hardly a chore..

Great post, David..
-\Visdom

[Bolle]

And by the way! im 16 and allready a wet-shaver.

[ShaneC]

This is the Age of the Internet and Instant Gratification.. Not only does society seem to strive for and value efficiency and expediency...

Ignoring the entitlements portion:

Instant Gratification = Instant Results with no regards for quality (and combine that with easy credit/living beyond your means) = crappy product or production.

Things produced today are there for instant gratification and mediocre short-term results. Nothing is meant to last, as lasting products won't keep the revenue flowing (unless its something like Mach3 cartridges!) Quality doesn't matter. Recurring revenue does. Make it good enough so they keep buying more and more. :mad:

[aristo]

completely hit the nail on the head with that one, actually the the reason I jumped in to wet shaving:biggrin:

[wchnu]

And by the way! im 16 and allready a wet-shaver.

That's the spirit.... :w00t:

Fuzzy

[tipsword]

Great post !

I'm sitting here exploring this site on my 2nd to last day of my "stay-cation" (spent 6K on a new roof and couldn't afford to go anywhere after that *sigh*)

Reconciling the thought behind your post with my last 48hrs of relative freedoom is going to require a recliner and a scotch I think.

Cheers!
Brian

[DogHair]

Great post! I have found my life is infinitely better if I make time for a great shave, freshly roasted coffee, good whiskey, a nice cigar and most importantly a good woman. If you are not experiencing the pleasure these things can bring you I recommend you stop what you are doing immediately and start working on acquiring these things. Agreed the woman can be somewhat of a challenge, and I have the scars to prove it, but once you get it right life is indeed good.

As a side note a private hot tub/jacuzzi is a great addition to all of the above!

[Razorlite]

WOW!
I wish I could write like that!...
Well done sir, for expressing so many mens thoughts and goals in such majestic and poignent wording. Many men will relate to your thoughts and persue this ritual without time and to the best of his pleasure.
Thank you.

[Anton von Tripp]

You are a philosopher sir, and clearly a gentleman.

[Christoph]

I just wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading the original post in this thread, and I agree with it pretty much entirely.

Yes, time has been a factor in the evolution of shaving tools. For me, making the switch was totally worth it. I had lousy shaves with a Mach 3 and the Fusion. After a couple a few years of using a DE things have improved immeasurably. Now I get an extremely good shave in 15 minutes - sometimes 10. So the time factor becomes less of an issue as I get better and better.

[profsaffel]

David, it is because of this post that I shall purposefully and deliberately take my sweet time in the morning with a shave. The rest of the world be darned.

Thank you.

[Christopher_loaf]

It is important not to waste time, it is the only thing you can sell, but can never buy. In today's society where everything is blended, squeezed and processed there is a loss of texture in our lives and that makes it a quality of life issue. I wet shave because the shave that I get starts the day with a quality experience that carries on thought the day. Good post.

Take Care,
Richard


You know Richard, this is the PERFECT way to think about it. Too many times now-a-days you hear people talking about "quality." You all have heard them;


You have to dress great to feel great.


Eat a quality breakfast. (then you're suggested a "full meal" you can pop in the microwave and nuke.)


Tell yourself you can accomplish anything, you will accomplish anything.


Well, where did the shave go? Gillette's commercials talk about the closest, fastest shave possible. I don't remember quality being mentioned but if it is, it is certianly contradiction. My girlfriend once asked what the big deal is about shaving, I explained to her that it was a nessicary hobby. "Nessicary?" she asked. Yes, because depending on your job in the work force, you most likely are required to either have a full beard, (then most of us wouldn't be here talking) or some kind of goatee or mustache, BUT be clean shaven otherwise. So why not have THAT be a member of the quality family? It certianly feels better than putting on an itchy scratchy suit.

I don't remember what comedian it was but he had a good point; (in paraphrase)


"What kind of a lazy world do we live in? We go from making dinner in the house, to tv dinners. When that's not good enough, we want to go to a resturant. You know, have somebody ELSE prepare our meals for us. Well the resturant gives way to the fast food joint. Well, we're so dang lazy that at a fast food joint where it's supposed to be FAST food, we weren't happy, it wasn't fast enough so they've put in a drive through window because NOW we can't even be bothered to get out of our cars to eat...we just wanna drive and eat! How can we get to where ever we're going, to do whatever we're going to probably do fast...faster?"


And this is what we're settling for quality wise?!?

[Bryan J]

Great post!

I agree 100%

[Doug81]

So very true. I've noticed over the past couple of years that I can appreciate time spent more leisurely, especially in the morning.

[The Zook]

Manly rituals?
Like hunting with your bare hands, starting fires with two rocks and dried leaves, combing your hair with sticks... I guess it just depends how far back you want to go, doesn't it?

Rituals, like people... change.

Do you all ride around on horseback (on a horse you broke) and eat home churned butter too? :lol:

Good post though, I get the jist of it just having one of those days.

[CarlJN]

I've recently added more old-school to my daily activities by trying (and loving) non-homogenized milk (pasteurized of course.) Heck I could start making home churned butter too with the cream! Amazing how much we have lost by adding speed and convenience to our lives (all the while I'm shopping for a blackberry...)

[Buckler]

a few weeks ago, i found myself in the position of trying to explain my newfound interest in traditional wet shaving to a friend of mine. he's a thoroughly modern fellow and he uses modern shaving tools because, well...it's what modern guys do.

as i described the process to him, the paraphernalia, the pleasure, the advantages....one item provoked the strongest reaction. he was dismayed and appalled that i took 20 minutes to shave in the morning and that's really when it hit me. when you look at the rise of technology and the death of manly rituals, inevitably the clock is to blame. we have sacrificed a whole host of pleasures on the altar of time and we are ultimately the poorer for it.

the pipe gives way to the cigarette. the ocean liner gives way to the airplane. the restaurant becomes the drive-through and the conversation becomes the text message...and all because we, as men, continue to believe that if we could just save a bit more time in our day we'd be able to really get to the things we wanted to do. ironically, in the pursuit of having enough time to do what we want we are forced to dilute or discard the very things we wanted in the first place...and so our vitality dwindles away with every tick of the relentless clock.

perhaps that is why in some sense we're all here at B&B. we want to recapture a forgotten pleasure. we want to revel in the luxury of choosing what we do with our morning routine and most of all, we want to remember the simple joy of not taking the quickest or most expedient road, but the sweet meandering path of our own curiosity.

this weekend as i was rushing through a morning shave i thought about all of this. i took a breath, and remembered that there was nothing on the agenda that couldn't wait just a few minutes more. in the moment of that realization, i became once again the master of the clock instead of its servant and my little daily ritual took on an added sweetness that hadn't been there just a moment before.

i wish for everyone here a similar moment of timeless indulgence. in the day to day flow of obligation and expectation, i encourage you to find a moment to ignore the demands of the clock and take pleasure in this mutual interest we all share. gentlemen, i wish for you all a truly excellent shave.

Thankyou.


My biggest loss is time with God. 'I need to get here, I need to get this done.' I know God is real and yet I rush out the door and into bed somedays with out spending 5min relating to him. The other day I woke up early for no good reason, got up and spent an hour praying and reading my bible, that day went so well and I got everything done with efficiency and with out stress.

+Buckler

[stevensj2]

Wish I would have read this thread sooner! OP is spot on.

I was just thinking the other day how, for me at least, wet shaving is 100% an exercise in patience.

I must dedicate more "time" to the entire process, I must "wait" for the brush to soak. While shaving, I perform each stroke "slowly". When I am finished, I slowly and patiently do it again.

And again, for a total of 3 passes.

But that is just the process. How about the results?

At first, I admit, they were poor. I had irritation, cuts, nicks, weepers, etc. So again, I had to "wait" for my skill to increase, and do the above ritual over, and over, and over, patiently getting better at it each time.

And then it hit me.

It isn't "patience." Patience implies a subtle sense of urgency, anxiousness, or anticipating some final outcome. This is none of that. This is the deliberate slowly down, ignoring rather, time altogether.

For this moment of my day, the pleasure of my actions is greater than the notion of time required to perform them.

[ScotchDave]

Wow, that's a seriously well thought out post, it got me to thinking.

In the east they have Tai Chi and Yoga, in the middle east they have prayers and coffee rituals, I'm not educated on Africa, but I'd bet they have a ritual that takes time.

These are times in the day to take a step back and think of nothing but what we are doing at the time. It's a kind of meditation to my mind. For all of us here on B&B that time is our morning shave.

I think Martin Luther King Jr said something to the effect "The more time in the day I spent praying the more time I had."

We all need our down time doing something we love.

[brothers]

I have started running later and later leaving for work in the mornings, and that's not fun. But, I am simply enjoying the shaving experience more than ever before. Shaving had become just a drudgery, and I used to shave so fast that sometimes I would forget to shave and have to go back home, or just forget about it, and try to remember to shave tomorrow.

The revelation here is that we should slow down, take our time, think about what we do, plan ahead, and be fully prepared, not only in the shaving process, but in every aspect of our lives. Of course, nobody can do everything like that, but maybe if we just became conscious of the benefits, and learn from the shaving experiences, maybe it would be beneficial.

[Ponchy88]

Fantastic post. My mom always stressed having fun with whatever I was doing. I got into wet shaving because it was a way to make an everyday task more enjoyable.

[SRock]

I hurry because I'm late but mostly hurry just to wait. I agree, slow down and enjoy the moment because just like that...it's gone!

Ray, this sounds like life in the Military. Too much hurry up and wait. We rush to appointments to wait in a waiting area or rush to work to realize there's not much to do that day (although the latter doesn't happen as often as one may like).

I can truthfully say that I don't have enough time to enjoy my shave (at least not where I'm serving right now, and not on work days).

Follow me here:

13 Hours at work
1.5-2 Hours to eat (covering all three meals)
1 Hour at the gym
30 Minutes transit (total) to and from work
30-45 Minutes for the morning man rituals (S, Shower, Shave etc.)
30 Minutes to take care of other errands (laundry, shopette etc.)
8 hours of sleep (recommended amount)
25-25:45 Total Hours Needed in a 24 hour day to do what I do daily.

The obvious truth here is that I lose sleep. That is why I sleep in on my one day off and take a full hour (sometimes more) to get a quality shower and enjoy a proper shave!!!



May I just say, very well said!

+1


Hear hear! The clock is our greatest foe!

+1

[CigarsandFiretrucks]

Back in the day, my 71-year old father used to shave with a Merkur Classic. He still had it in a closet, but he thought I was out of my mind when I asked why he didn't go back to using it (so I took it and use it now!). He gets a better, faster, safer shave with his Fusion. My father wants life's chores to be easier, not harder. When it comes to the old ways, he's been there, done that. My generation hasn't, though. We didn't fight a war.

I think we younger guys tend to romanticize the "old days", while the guys who actually lived them the first time around are more than happy that modern technology and manufacturing techniques have replaced safety razors and unsynchronized transmissions with newer, faster, easier alternatives. I use a DE razor, smoke a pipe and drive a stick because I get a sense of comfort from the temporary regression to a time without cel phones and computers. I can at least fantasize that it's 1955 again, and forget that I probably have a fax waiting in my office that's so important it needs to be answered by email!

The fact is, from a purely practical standpoint, the new ways are often better and more efficient than the old ways. As another poster already said, we don't ride horses to work anymore. It would sure have more style than my Honda, and hearing the creak of saddle leather would make me feel good, but it's just not efficient or practical. Fortunately, I can still take my brief mental holidays to the "old days" simply by shaving with a DE and fussing with a Dunill pipe. But I'm always aware that it's simply self-indulgence. It's good to remind myself periodically that there's nothing inherently wrong with using new technology, and it's not heresy to admit that a Fusion just might give you a better shave than a DE.

[SRock]

We didn't fight a war.

What generation is this? The 40's had WWII. The 50's Korea. The 60's and 70's had Vietnam. The 80's had Grenada and Panama. The 90's had Desert Storm and Somalia. Since 2001 we've been in constant battle in Afghanistan and Iraq.

While I realize that most Americans haven't had to sacrifice when America's bravest and brightest are off to war the way they have since WWII I was still a bit confused by the statement above.

Perhaps, even a little slighted by the comment. I serve with the very best our nation has to offer and to take away any aspect of their pride and achievements is both unfair and unjust.

Perhaps saying that you haven't gone to war would be more accurate than lumping everyone up with that statement.

As you can see I am active duty and I am also a bit of a history buff. Not trying to start an argument so please don't take offense. I was just curious?

[CigarsandFiretrucks]

I was born in 1966. My generation never experienced a draft, unlike my father's generation. That's all I was referring to in my post. No intent to offend or denigrate those who have served (and are serving) in the military. I apologize for the sloppy generalization.

[SRock]

I was born in 1966. My generation never experienced a draft, unlike my father's generation. That's all I was referring to in my post. No intent to offend or denigrate those who have served (and are serving) in the military. I apologize for the sloppy generalization.

Ah, no draft makes perfect sense. :redface: I was a post-'Nam baby myself. I was born in 1975.

I knew from your post you weren't being hateful or condescending, I tried to convey that in my response.

I can tell you though our all volunteer military is amazing! I've seen firsthand the things that our young men and young women are doing over here every day and they are simply amazing.

Thanks again!

[Bacchus]

Open up one of your 'soon to be' shop near Toronto, I want a proper shave :biggrin:

[Six Dollar Dave]

Great post!

$6

[detroitdave]

Awesome post Dave. I agree totally. I am often too busy to really enjoy the things that bring pleasure to my life...like a great shave. Or just relaxing with a nice cigar without having somewhere to go or something to do. Or just sitting with my son and talking about whatever subject comes up. Or enjoying a nice dinner with my wife without having to look at the clock and rush through it!!
Very well put sir!!

[Zanzibarstar]

I still think that personally:biggrin: the saturday barber shave needs to be brought back as something to do.


When i open my own shop a couple years down the road im going to hire new just out of school students and train them personally on the shaves
so they can be more available and a great experiance. Maybe one day ill be able to revive the great tradition in the barber industry and make a new era for my profession(maybe even nationally) maybe then i can recieve what i do on a regular basis. That or become stinking rich so i can afford to go see pzbarber:biggrin:


A guy can dream

Here, here...you're not the only one thinking along these lines! Its something I would love to see more of too. In fact, I've been contemplating opening my own haberdashery down the road, and even thought about having it in conjunction with a barber chair where you can get a shave! So, the feeling is definitely in the air. I think its quite possible that a contingent of America is ready to start swinging back to that kind of lifestyle. The good old days...

But who knows, maybe i'm completely wrong.

[masonjarjar]

What generation is this? The 40's had WWII. The 50's Korea. The 60's and 70's had Vietnam. The 80's had Grenada and Panama. The 90's had Desert Storm and Somalia. Since 2001 we've been in constant battle in Afghanistan and Iraq.

While I realize that most Americans haven't had to sacrifice when America's bravest and brightest are off to war the way they have since WWII I was still a bit confused by the statement above.

Perhaps, even a little slighted by the comment. I serve with the very best our nation has to offer and to take away any aspect of their pride and achievements is both unfair and unjust.

Perhaps saying that you haven't gone to war would be more accurate than lumping everyone up with that statement.

As you can see I am active duty and I am also a bit of a history buff. Not trying to start an argument so please don't take offense. I was just curious?

I think his point is that there hasn't been a war that's defined a generation recently. Yes, there are always brave men and women serving in the military. But really, when you look at the big picture, no war has effected an entire generation like the World Wars, Korea or 'Nam did.

You probably couldn't find anyone that was not touched in some way by those past wars, had a dad, son, brother, uncle, grandpa that served in some capacity during those wars. I'm not related to anyone who's served in a recent conflict. But my DW's father was in Korea.

Today, the wars are being fought, many miss their loved ones, some will protest, but most of us go about our lives without there really being that much of an impact.

[masonjarjar]

Here, here...you're not the only one thinking along these lines! Its something I would love to see more of too. In fact, I've been contemplating opening my own haberdashery down the road, and even thought about having it in conjunction with a barber chair where you can get a shave! So, the feeling is definitely in the air. I think its quite possible that a contingent of America is ready to start swinging back to that kind of lifestyle. The good old days...

But who knows, maybe i'm completely wrong.

Well, some of the "good old days" were good. But some of them were really bad too. If one doesn't want to remember the "bad" then they're probably more inclined to leave it all behind..

I think it's fun to go back for a change of pace, or a hobby. Or a Saturday morning haircut. Or the morning shave. I don't see actually trying to relive it..
-Mason

[sapito318]

+1

I have not yet encountered that enlightening moment of truth, but I have very strong feelings in the same way you do. Just cant convince anybody to give up their precious 20 minutes of time for real mans passion.

[MrWolf]

Excellent post! I agree. It always amazes me how society is in a big rush....to go where? :lol:

[JarheadSgt]

Back in the day, my 71-year old father used to shave with a Merkur Classic. He still had it in a closet, but he thought I was out of my mind when I asked why he didn't go back to using it (so I took it and use it now!). He gets a better, faster, safer shave with his Fusion. My father wants life's chores to be easier, not harder. When it comes to the old ways, he's been there, done that. My generation hasn't, though. We didn't fight a war.

I think we younger guys tend to romanticize the "old days", while the guys who actually lived them the first time around are more than happy that modern technology and manufacturing techniques have replaced safety razors and unsynchronized transmissions with newer, faster, easier alternatives. I use a DE razor, smoke a pipe and drive a stick because I get a sense of comfort from the temporary regression to a time without cel phones and computers. I can at least fantasize that it's 1955 again, and forget that I probably have a fax waiting in my office that's so important it needs to be answered by email!

The fact is, from a purely practical standpoint, the new ways are often better and more efficient than the old ways. As another poster already said, we don't ride horses to work anymore. It would sure have more style than my Honda, and hearing the creak of saddle leather would make me feel good, but it's just not efficient or practical. Fortunately, I can still take my brief mental holidays to the "old days" simply by shaving with a DE and fussing with a Dunill pipe. But I'm always aware that it's simply self-indulgence. It's good to remind myself periodically that there's nothing inherently wrong with using new technology, and it's not heresy to admit that a Fusion just might give you a better shave than a DE.

I understand completely the original poster's thoughts and I, too, long for a simplier, less harried life - A Mayberry'ish environment, if you will. However, if not for technology I would not have stumbled across this site and would still be using goo. Just because email is nearly instant, instead of the four days it would take by USPS, doesn't mean it can't be well thought out and composed before hitting the send button.

I don't believe our fathers and grandfathers wet-shaved for a hobby. Most shaved with the most modern equipment available to them to remove hair from their face. Let's face it, they didn't a shave den with thirty razors, two dozen soaps and creams, pre-shave oils, skin toners, hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars worth of after shave lotions and edt's in every scent known to man-kind. Folks who gave up cable and cell phones to have a simpler life are telling us about it through the internet. I enjoy woodworking but use a hybrid cabinet tablesaw, routers, planers and jointer instead of a peddle-driven band saw.

I enjoy growing as much of our food as possible, eating fresh and canning the rest. I enjoy making home-made spahgetti sauce that takes 8 hours using canned tomatoes from my garden. I'm thankful that I have high quality running shoes that reduces my chance of injury. I'm also glad I have an iPod strapped on my arm full of songs I down loaded from the internet on my wireless laptop when I run. You get the idea.

The bottom line is we have many more choices today. If our gardens fail we can always stop by Publix on the way home instead of starving. Because of technology we are better educated and have the options of living a healthier and richer life if we choose. Nobody makes us eat grease, fat, butter and BigMac's.

It's up to us to be responsible and meld the old with the new. I do believe a lot of things get "fixed" when they weren't broken in the first place but the biggest thing that has been changed, by far, is the main-stream mentality.

Enough rambling. I must get this day started. We are fortunate to have over twenty friends and relatives coming and must get the food started. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

TonyD

[Lou]

Drandall, thank you for sharing this wisdom with us. The expression "time is money" is valid, but that money doesn't bring much happiness when it only puts us on a vicious cycle in the rat race.

Wet shaving is one of the things I do to spend some time on my terms and enjoy a ritual. Others include: handwriting letters and postcards; leaving work at the office; refusing to eat a meal standing up or on the go.

[S.P.Britton]

I enjoy this hobby and take my time with it. I'm actually excited each morning to shave. I feel like a gentleman each time I shave and realize I make myself presentable when I walk outside and go to work.


Great post and comments from all! I myself being only 25 have already found that as we age, time only increases in speed. That's why it's so great to slow down and actually have a good quality shave instead of getting through it as fast as possible. I'm also one that is excited every morning for the chance to shave now, and I absolutely despised it before wetshaving.

[pal]

This is one of the best threads that I have ever read. Thank you David Randall for putting into words what our hearts already know. Life is short, lets all agree to enjoy it to the fullest, every second.

[Bobbyfrass]

So far, I have not been able to tell one person about the revelation of the quality wetshave without an up-turned eyebrow and a side-long glance. In fact, just today my wife was on the phone describing to her folks the shave den I was building. I could almost hear the puzzled looks.

Over the holidays, my dad and I had a conversation about it. He admits he never taught me to shave, implied it was almost common sense, and ribbed me about it for the rest of his visit.

Anyway, there wasn't much I looked forward to about the act of getting out of bed...until I discovered a twenty minute morning ritual that is both pleasurable and gratifyingly male.

Thanks for the thread!

[Shane Tucker]

My friend, that is the best post I have ever read on any subject on any forum I have ever been on.

I salute you.

[Roman414]

I started shaving in the mid-1950's when shaving meant wet-shaving. There were a few old men, like my grandpa, using straight razors but I never even considered that. It was hopelessly old-fashioned, and I had a suspicion that I would probably slice my nose off. I went to buy a tech like my dad used, couldn't find one at the drugstore, and came home with a Superspeed and an Old Spice mug that came packaged with a brush and a puck of soap. I probably paid two or three bucks for the entire setup. I shaved with that for awhile, learning by trial and error, until one day I walked into the bathroom and caught my older sister shaving with my razor. I won't tell you WHAT she was shaving, but needless to say that razor never touched my face again. I picked it up with two sticks and dropped it in the trash can. I think my second razor was a Schick because I liked the "push pull, click click" commercial on the radio. Point is, shaving was just a chore and I don't think many men gave more than casual thought to it. I am sure that anyone who has followed this board for a couple of months knows more about razors, blades, the whole thing than any of us old-timers ever knew back in the day. The level of knowledge on here is astounding.

[cesium]

Very eloquently put. I had a similar epiphany a few years ago when I was shopping for a new bbq. I opted to buy an old style charcoal bbq. Sure, it takes a whole lot longer to cook, and I think it's probably pricier to run than propane as well. However, taking the time to build a fire, drink a beer, wait for the coals to warm up while I'm sitting outside talking to friends... It's a far cry from todays outdoor propane appliance. Fire it up and your burgers are done in 6 minutes. I'd rather sit outside by the fire, force myself to slow down and actually enjoy my backyard rather than resent it for the mowing I have to do.

[waitasecun]

that was a beautiful post, almost poetry :redface:

I absolutely agree, I feel that so many traditions and daily rituals have gone the way of the dodo for the sake of saving a few hours here and there and yes you are right, we are untimately losing out in the end.......

[calcustom]

Well said!

[etjrowe]

I definitely share your point of view. I'm only 24. In the Navy. Desperately attached to technology. Military life has taught me to rush. I am chronically early everywhere I go. I eat meals in less than 10 minutes. I think and talk a mile a minute. I really have to force myself to slow down.

My wife wonders why I have become so obsessed with my hobbies. Home brewing, meticulously maintaining my mt bike, detailing the car, and most recently wet shaving.

But all of my interests seem to come from the same feelings. My generation and society in general have become so attached to this quick, disposable, consumer culture. Quality has given way to convenience and gimmicks. Customer service is almost non-existent. Everything need to be faster.

When I do slow down, I find an obscene amount of joy in doing things myself. I enjoy researching and spending a little more money on quality product sold by people that still care about their customers. And I pride myself on taking the time to properly care for and maintain things, make them last and perform as best as they can. I have been so programmed to work quickly.

But it's hard to change. Between the military and having kids, I feel the constant pull to move faster. I have been so programmed to work quickly. I'm 24 and I am on medication for high blood pressure and get chronic stress headaches.That's why I'm about to go shave, using tools and methods deemed 'obselete' before I was born. I may be young, but not too young to realize that fast does not always equal better.

Wow, drandall, thanks for stirring me up into a rant. :biggrin:

[xdkeys]

Well said, I am 36 years old, and my wife calls me a "fuddy dud." Is it because I shave with a brush, and DE razor. Or maybe because I sit at the kitchen table with my legs crossed and read a newspaper. Or at night I sit on the front porch and smoke a pipe, listen to bluegrass music, and pick a dobro (resophonic guitar). I have threatened her many times to quit my job, pack up my dobro, shaving kit, and pipes and move to the mountains of Virginia!!
Remember the days when:
We got our news from a thing called the newspaper.
You rolled your TV onto the back of a truck and took it to the TV repair store.
You popped popcorn on the stove.
You called a friend on the actual telephone.
You went to the record shop and bought shiny black vinyl disks.
The superhighway was I95.
I could probably go on forever.

Thoughts from a poor boy born 30 years too late...

[Nizzyrate]

Too right mate! Brilliantly put. There is a lot of satisfaction to be gained from doing things the old way; and as far as time goes the only reason to save any is try new shaving products!

[cammyfive]

Wow, what a great thread! I'm new here and reading all of the posts made me grin from ear to ear. I'm 29 and in graduate school working on my phd. Part of my assistantship was living on campus (i.e. the dorms). I get quite a few puzzled looks from the undergrads while I'm at the sink with my badger brush, bowl, razor, and arsenal of other 'foo-foo' skin care items. Even as a relatively young man, I have learned to appreciate a proper shave ritual in the morning as 'me time' where I can experience 'shave-zen' and start my day on the right foot. While I am still new at this and am slowly acquiring products of increasing quality and caliber, I know that this is a tradition/hobby I look forward to passing down to my son (who is not yet conceived!!!) when the time is right.

[ndw76]

I feel much more well rested if I get out of bed 15 minutes earlier and start the day doing something that I enjoy than if I get an extra 15 minutes sleep and start the day with a chore that doesn't give good results.

[Stuggi]

I've found a way to combat the clock, get up early. I get up at 6 am, and I can spend all the time I want on my morning routines, showering (which I tend to rush through to get to the fun part), shaving (the fun part), making coffee (I take my coffee VERY seriously :biggrin:), making breakfast, reading the paper etc. I also have a 20 min drive in the morning, so I get to relax through it as well, and since I'm on flex time and my work isn't very hectic, I work at a rural office for the local electric company as a clerk, in an office built for 10 people with 3 co-workers (which are all my bosses in a weird way), I don't really have to deal with any stress. Imagine what the world would be like if everybody did this... :/

(BTW, I got the idea of getting up early from a co-worker of my mothers, a gentleman who liked to get up at 5 am to be able to read the paper in peace and quiet and who was quite fascinated by nuts and bolts. :biggrin:)

[muddy250]

i wish for everyone here a similar moment of timeless indulgence. in the day to day flow of obligation and expectation, i encourage you to find a moment to ignore the demands of the clock and take pleasure in this mutual interest we all share. gentlemen, i wish for you all a truly excellent shave.

Excellently put!

[Ru4scuba?]

I just noticed this thread...and I love it and couldn't agree more! We live such hectic lives nowadays. Taking some time out to do something YOU enjoy each day is a bonus and makes for a better mental outlook IMHO.

[denboy]

I have just spent 5 minutes reading this post, it was 5 minutes very well spent. I totally agree with all the sentiment in this thread, thats one of the reasons I choose to wet shave, my time, my mind, my zen.

[Hando]

what he said

from a middle aged luddite born years too late

[bluepunk18]

+1 Excellent Post. Its nice to indulge in the manly rituals of years gone by and reflect on all that has changed, and yet, some basics still remain. Bravo!

[poindexter]

Oh, and I got an automatic winding Seiko watch with quaint hands n' stuff. no more batteries or replacing a watch every couple of years.

[Bill Smith]

I agree.

[JECIII]

:smile:

[pogonotrophist]

I came late to this thread but find it to be one of the most poignant things I have read in quite some time. Cheers, and I'm very happy to have stumbled upon on such a group.

[NewYorkBuck]

I came late to this thread but find it to be one of the most poignant things I have read in quite some time. Cheers, and I'm very happy to have stumbled upon on such a group.

Me too. One of the best posts Ive ever read.

[Not4you]

the OP is quite singlehandedly the inspiration for me to join this intriguing community this week and to have my first "real" shave with a Gillette British Rocket Flare Tip earlier tonight. this razor was once my fathers, given to him by his father when he was a teen and to me when I was a teen, 20 years ago. since the 80s this DE was sitting in a box neglected but tonight is has changed me as a man.

[amateriat]

When I still worked in the 9-to-5 world (when that world still wanted me), I made the 15-mile round-trip commute by bicycle most of the time. One thing that the commute ride and and a proper shaving ritual have in common is that both activities were, and are, some of the best times for thinking. Some of the more interesting thoughts and ideas pop into my head while shaving or cycling. Both activities engage both mind and body in a way few other daily activities do anymore, and I believe they help concentrate and limber up the mind.

Tapping away here from my PowerBook, it's clear that I'm no Luddite, but, being an adult, I get to choose what does and doesn't make sense to me. In my case, it's choosing radio over TV (haven't regularly watched in about 25 years), bicycles over cars, film over digital, the corner diner over a fast-food joint (and I'm lucky to have a great diner on my block), fountain pens over rollerballs, loose tea over anything in a teabag...you get the gist. (And let's not get started about watches...)

But: I got broadband Internet practically the minute it was available in my neighborhood, love my iPod as much as my (sizable) LP collection, film scanners and big inkjet printers over struggling in the professional-grade wet darkroom I neither have the room or funds for, and Google Maps over "Hey, did anybody see my Hagstrom's anywhere?" In other words, technology has had questionable results in some regards (shaving, food, some channels of social networking), but has also yielded true advances elsewhere, (navigation, information access, "green" energy, other, less-silly channels of social networking).

It comes down to thinking about what you do, and why you do it. Answering these questions for yourself can't help but guide the "how." Things worth doing are worth doing well. Doing things well still requires thought, and time. To paraphrase James Gleick (author of Faster: The Acceleration of Just About Everything, which I highly recommend), you can't hurry love, you can't hurry a soufflé, and while you can hurry a shave, it's really best not to.

I tip my cap to the OP for the thoughts, and the writing.


- Barrett

[sup909]

What a great thread. Being one of those people myself who loves the toys and gadgets of this age it is sort of interesting how I have become enamored with classic wet shaving. I am in my 20's and I am one of the most technically inclined people around. I own every toy and gadget out there and I even last year bought a $150 electric shaver because I thought it would be better for me.

Maybe it is because I am on the cutting edge for everything else that I am gravitating towards some traditional gentlemanly routines that do take some time.

[Zen Master Kool-Aid]

a few weeks ago, i found myself in the position of trying to explain my newfound interest.

{insert some really great stuff here}

in traditional wet shaving to a friend of mine. in the day to day flow of obligation and expectation, i encourage you to find a moment to ignore the demands of the clock and take pleasure in this mutual interest we all share. gentlemen, i wish for you all a truly excellent shave.

Dude, thank you for this post.

Sometimes its difficult to put it all into words, but this is it.

[Laser]

Best post I've read so far. Well said. Now if I can only learn to live by your words, I will be the better man for it and enjoy a better shave.
Thanks for saying it so beautifully.

[phonesat]

It's incredible how true it is
people are allways rushing. to what? to wait in line,to eat bad food,to pass life by?this has made me look at how I live and what I do to enjoy life:
start with a nice shave,
iron a nice shirt , iron my hanky's , iron my pants
go to work
come home
cook supper(not zap)
do dishes ,,by hand (no dishwasher)
read a good book
hit the hay

cheers to all who take the time to live
and that starts with a great shave

[guru]

I also eat slow food. It tastes better slow. In my older age I see how time passes and want to savor all. I wet shave because it is a process, a ritual, and I take my time. It shaves better slow. Enjoy the moment, do what you need in the time it takes to do it. The only thing I like fast is my motorcycle.

[Mazeman]

To the OP:

I just found this thread since I'm new here. Very well-written post!

[moto]

Thankyou.


My biggest loss is time with God. 'I need to get here, I need to get this done.' I know God is real and yet I rush out the door and into bed somedays with out spending 5min relating to him. The other day I woke up early for no good reason, got up and spent an hour praying and reading my bible, that day went so well and I got everything done with efficiency and with out stress.

+Buckler

This is a ritual i wish i could do more of and i wish others would also, pray. we are busy today just like my dad and his dad were busy in their days. so prayer time is something i would hope to revive for myself.

somehow the assumption that we are spending time shaving like our fathers and grandfather did is to me a little inacurate. for one i don't think my fathers spent 40+ mins shaving, or put moisturizer and aftershave balm on, or did much of a prep. my dad worked 2 jobs and then at home and helped people out as he was a builder. when he was living on the farm he worked sun up to sundown everyday. he never really had time to slow down for a shave. when he did have time to slow down it would be for a drink with his mates and a cigarette or a game of pool. i think todays man is more pre occupied with his appearance, which i find nothing wrong with btw than yesterdays man! i some what agree that a good shave is the start to a good day, but i've also had great days with a crap shave too.

nice post op.

happy shaving,

[Nozzlejocky]

Great thoughts. I have long felt that our society has put the big rush on too many aspects of our lives. The sad part, at least to me, is that in many instances, the things we work to speed up are those things which we tend to enjoy only to provide more time to do those things we don't enjoy. It seems to be a flawed logic. Perhaps if more men were to stop and smell the shave soap, life would be better.

[Brien Hopkins]

[The following is an article written for my website (http://www.themanshark.wordpress.com). I figured I'd share it with the fine folks at B&B. And it seems relevent the resurgance of manly rituals.]

Whatever happened to the hearty businessman who wasn’t afraid to let his beard grow out? Guys like George Zimmer, of The Men’s Wearhouse. Zimmer’s success grew with his beard. When he asserts, “You’ll like the way you look,” he’s not talking about suits. Zimmer knows facial hair is still in, and you can take his word on that. He guarantees it.

Yet, men these days are urged to shave off their facial hair. A wave of trendy metrosexuals continues to leave beards and mustaches all washed up. In recent years, facial hair somehow found itself on the bad end of a disapproving glare from society, cast off as the uncivilized byproduct of neglect. Somehow this natural process got lumped into the same category as leaving the seat up; but we shouldn’t be ashamed of our facial hair, men. We should embrace the palette of expression God hath gifted upon our faces. Gentlemen, it’s time to let it grow.

The mustache is a deep-rooted art form, with origins dating back to a time when man first grew tired of nicking his upper lip. One of history’s most distinct mustaches, the Handle-Bar mustache, carries a commanding message into the room. This is the frown shaped mustache sported by professional wrestling’s Incredible Hulk Hogan, and the Starship Enterprise’s resident Klingong, Warf. It eloquently announces to society how its bearer feels: pissed. These men are in a constant state of aggravation because the biker from The Village People ruined the Handle-Bar mustache for everybody.

Aside from mustaches, other forms of facial hair include an assortments of beards (If anyone inquires as to why I neglect to classify muttonchops as facial hair, I’ll say this; I tried muttonchops a few years ago, and it spawned a relentless maintenance operation, just a hairy situation. Besides they’re sideburns). The full-on beard casts an ambitious nuance on those with the patience and courage to embody its noble reputation. The beard is the choice facial hair variety of the greats: Jesus Christ, Abraham Lincoln, Santa Claus. A fine-trimmed beard proudly declares, “I’m brawny, but not barbaric. I’m daring, yet refined. My beard is my lion and I am the beast tamer.”

beardMen, facial hair is expression. In a world where men’s feelings are considered a joke, facial hair is perhaps our only emotional outlet. Don’t stand by and allow facial hair to become a lost art like the art of blowing dust out of an old Nintendo cartridge, or recycling the same T-shirt for a straight week under everyone’s nose. If a picture says a thousands words, facial hair sings those words. Stand up and proclaim with pride “I grow facial hair. Therefore, I am!” All men were created equal, with facial hair of all shapes colors and sizes. The Menaissance is upon us, gentlemen. Do something– by doing nothing; let it grow.

[gregs656]

This is interesting. I'm 19 years old, and I deffinately walk through life relaxed.

I have always been someone who appreciates time alone. That's just the kinda person I am, be it reading or getting out on the bike or even just sitting down infront of the telly with a beer I need some time alone in the day.

I personally don't believe the world today is any easier or any more difficult to live in than it has been previously, as a whole. We might think it is, but I reckon for every benefit there is a cost somewhere. I don't nessercerily believe that the watch can be blamed for anything either, time is a concept we have using for a very long time, there have always been deadlines.

I suspect that, it's the type of people we are, rather than the age we live in that drives us to choose certain persuits. I look at some of the scenes people have painted on here and think I'd enjoy that as well. Looking at the hobbies thread in another section, the similarities are so obvious, and they're all things that in general take time and are done alone, or in small groups. Driving, mechanics, smoking, hunting even.

I'm glad that I was born now, I really can get the best of both worlds. Forums, the internet in general, is a fantastic tool. I can travel any where in the world just by turning up at an airport. I can also, though, enjoy the small luxuries in life that weren't always luxury. classic cars, for example, were just cars. Wet shaving, well, that was shaving. etc etc.

I will continue walking through life laid back, and I hope you all do as well.

Taken me ages to write this! I'm not even sure if it makes any sense lol.

[Tazbo]

Great post. I whole-heartedly agree.

I'm only 37, but over the past few years i've been yearning for a return to simpler times. I love technology, and gadgets are great, but nothing has any true value anymore. Everything is made by machine. Uniqueness is a rarity. Nothing is a labor of love like it used to be.

Some things need to be slowed down. Taking an extra 30 minutes to make a gourmet meal. A nice bike ride on a cool spring afternoon. A walk through the woods, and a chance enounter with wildlife. The feel, smell, and details of antique furniture. It's amazing to take in a piece of furniture that took sometimes hundreds of hours to create. Walk into an office building that has been around for 75+ years. The craftsmanship is beautiful. It's almost like stepping into another era.

I've always liked quality craftsmanship, but even more so now. As others have said, we are brainwashed to think newer, faster, cheaper, is better. I can attest to the opposite. I used to hate cooking. I decided to invest in a good, quality set of pans and knives, and the difference is astounding. It makes it pleasureable.

I'm new to wet-shaving, but it seems like a natural step forward. I'm sure it will bring as much pleasure to me as it seems to bring to the many fine gentleman visiting this forum.

Cheers!

[Joshua Da Silva]

Here is my input on the subject; I wrote this back in high school:

Time is but an illusion
The past does not exist
And tomorrow never comes
There is only the present
In which we must live
For each moment is unique
And in realizing this,
The thread of time unravels
Only in this way can we be free
To live for ourselves, our friends,
Our family
And to not enslave ourselves
To the master on our wrists
Father Time does not exist
Only the Mother is real
And her rhythm will guide us
As it does all other living things
The birds know when to migrate
And the bears when to hibernate
So why do we insist on enslaving ourselves
To the time on out watches,
To the dates in our planners
To the alarms on our clocks?
We save for the future,
But such actions are futile
For the future is near,
But never here
And so as we give up today
For the tomorrow that never comes
We measure time and watch ourselves grow old
Waiting for tomorrow and never living in today
Because as they say “There’s always next time”
But is there?
If every moment is truly unique
If every beat of your heart and breath that you take
Is truly different from the last,
Then no-There is no next time
Because there is no time
There is no past
And tomorrow never comes
There is only today
There is only this moment
-live in it

[JdB]

-the sweet meandering path of our own curiosity-

-i took a breath, and remembered that there was nothing on the agenda that couldn't wait just a few minutes more-



These thoughts go deep... So much beauty on a forum? A shaving-Forum? Yes sir! This is B&B!

Happy shaving,

JdB

[ieschwoch]

I couldn't agree more. I'm a late Gen-Xer and I've noticed as I've grown up how every year things move a little faster and technology pops up to save precious seconds doing something-or-another. I remember looking up references in card catalogs in the library when I would write reports in elementary school, and now when I do research papers for work or grad school everything's right at my fingertips on the Internet. What's the result of this? More free time? Ha! Now instead of having a day to finish a research paper I get three hours (since I can "save" so much time by researching on the Internet). By the time I'm 50 people will probably have robots that can auto-shave and auto-dress them in 30 seconds and will be expected to work 12 hour days since they'll have "saved" so much time.

I started wet shaving with a DE to save money, but now that I've been doing it for awhile and done some research I've decided to stick with it because I like doing things the old-school way. Taking time to do things well and avoiding expedient short cuts builds character, something that seems to be sorely lacking among men of my generation. My grandpa was a farmer and worked 12-16 hour days 7 days a week for much of his life, yet he found time to shave with a DE every morning. Somehow we cubicle rats can't?

[Jason15]

Hi!

--I am Jason..

That was a nice post! +1! Haha.. :redface:

I hope to meet more friends and dudes here..! Hahaha... :001_smile

[marv0723]

I have sworn off ties. I am now a bowtie guy. Noone wears then anymore. That is all I will wear from now on. I've got $400 tied up in them and some of the vendors use the same shipper as letterk, evidently.

I am writing exclusively with fountain pens. Schaefer and Parker (Ols models). Just because the country is going to $hit, doesn"t mean I have to.

p.s. Just how far was Glen beck off on the tax thing?!? wow......

[head78]

shaving waste lots times , if there have a good method , we will save times .https://www.revenuecents.com/upload/50/1239783018/random.gif

[sfbobus]

Superb post David.
If I had only learned that lesson before reaching retirement
age it would have been a better trip.

[topcattcw]

There is no past
And tomorrow never comes
There is only today
There is only this moment
-live in it[/QUOTE]


Spoken in the Zen way

... just this moment .. just shave.. smell the lather... hear the whiskers getting cut ... feel the blade moving across your cheek ... breath in .. breath out.. right here .. right now.. just shaving ..

[JimBow]

I couldn't agree more. I'm a late Gen-Xer and I've noticed as I've grown up how every year things move a little faster and technology pops up to save precious seconds doing something-or-another. I remember looking up references in card catalogs in the library when I would write reports in elementary school, and now when I do research papers for work or grad school everything's right at my fingertips on the Internet. What's the result of this? More free time? Ha! Now instead of having a day to finish a research paper I get three hours (since I can "save" so much time by researching on the Internet). By the time I'm 50 people will probably have robots that can auto-shave and auto-dress them in 30 seconds and will be expected to work 12 hour days since they'll have "saved" so much time.

I started wet shaving with a DE to save money, but now that I've been doing it for awhile and done some research I've decided to stick with it because I like doing things the old-school way. Taking time to do things well and avoiding expedient short cuts builds character, something that seems to be sorely lacking among men of my generation. My grandpa was a farmer and worked 12-16 hour days 7 days a week for much of his life, yet he found time to shave with a DE every morning. Somehow we cubicle rats can't?

Agreed. I am sick and tired of everything being faster and 'a great way to save time'. Why can't we all just take our time and do things the right way, the FIRST time?

[nmg82]

Couldn't have said it better sir. Great thoughts, and very true!

[Maduro]

Such wise insight, thanks for bestowing your observations on us sir. Modern man has lost his rituals and men themselves have been losing their unique place in our (U.S.) society.

All human rituals are created for us by us to borrow a phrase and I believe they are essential to a healthy state of mind. Rituals religious or secular ground us, bring us back into the moment with a heightened awareness of our own being.

Somewhere along the line as you suggest, the clock took over. It's good to be among the many here who would turn their backs on that clock.

Bravo....my good man!!

[Ru4scuba?]

I understand completely the original poster's thoughts and I, too, long for a simplier, less harried life - A Mayberry'ish environment, if you will. However, if not for technology I would not have stumbled across this site and would still be using goo. Just because email is nearly instant, instead of the four days it would take by USPS, doesn't mean it can't be well thought out and composed before hitting the send button.

I don't believe our fathers and grandfathers wet-shaved for a hobby. Most shaved with the most modern equipment available to them to remove hair from their face. Let's face it, they didn't a shave den with thirty razors, two dozen soaps and creams, pre-shave oils, skin toners, hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars worth of after shave lotions and edt's in every scent known to man-kind. Folks who gave up cable and cell phones to have a simpler life are telling us about it through the internet. I enjoy woodworking but use a hybrid cabinet tablesaw, routers, planers and jointer instead of a peddle-driven band saw.

I enjoy growing as much of our food as possible, eating fresh and canning the rest. I enjoy making home-made spahgetti sauce that takes 8 hours using canned tomatoes from my garden. I'm thankful that I have high quality running shoes that reduces my chance of injury. I'm also glad I have an iPod strapped on my arm full of songs I down loaded from the internet on my wireless laptop when I run. You get the idea.

The bottom line is we have many more choices today. If our gardens fail we can always stop by Publix on the way home instead of starving. Because of technology we are better educated and have the options of living a healthier and richer life if we choose. Nobody makes us eat grease, fat, butter and BigMac's.

It's up to us to be responsible and meld the old with the new. I do believe a lot of things get "fixed" when they weren't broken in the first place but the biggest thing that has been changed, by far, is the main-stream mentality.


TonyD


Every now and then, I come back to this post and read the stuff I missed, skipped or didn't have "the time" to read. I'm really glad I read this response. Thanks TonyD...sums up my thoughts exactly.

And thanks for serving bro

[mbrossar]

Funny, I'm a newbie at this and this was one of my first thoughts. Do I want to spend the extra time on my shave? This is actually exactly the reason I'll never go as far as a straight razor at home, but as I started dabling, I realized something.

Women tend to be much better at taking care of themselves than men. At least my wife is better at it than I am. She's got her rituals to take care of herself and make herself look prettier. This is a great opportunity for us men to focus on ourselves the way our women focus on themselves, but in a manly way. For me, it's only a few minutes more a day. I say it's well worth it.

[JBLAZE725]

a few weeks ago, i found myself in the position of trying to explain my newfound interest in traditional wet shaving to a friend of mine. he's a thoroughly modern fellow and he uses modern shaving tools because, well...it's what modern guys do.

as i described the process to him, the paraphernalia, the pleasure, the advantages....one item provoked the strongest reaction. he was dismayed and appalled that i took 20 minutes to shave in the morning and that's really when it hit me. when you look at the rise of technology and the death of manly rituals, inevitably the clock is to blame. we have sacrificed a whole host of pleasures on the altar of time and we are ultimately the poorer for it.

the pipe gives way to the cigarette. the ocean liner gives way to the airplane. the restaurant becomes the drive-through and the conversation becomes the text message...and all because we, as men, continue to believe that if we could just save a bit more time in our day we'd be able to really get to the things we wanted to do. ironically, in the pursuit of having enough time to do what we want we are forced to dilute or discard the very things we wanted in the first place...and so our vitality dwindles away with every tick of the relentless clock.

perhaps that is why in some sense we're all here at B&B. we want to recapture a forgotten pleasure. we want to revel in the luxury of choosing what we do with our morning routine and most of all, we want to remember the simple joy of not taking the quickest or most expedient road, but the sweet meandering path of our own curiosity.

this weekend as i was rushing through a morning shave i thought about all of this. i took a breath, and remembered that there was nothing on the agenda that couldn't wait just a few minutes more. in the moment of that realization, i became once again the master of the clock instead of its servant and my little daily ritual took on an added sweetness that hadn't been there just a moment before.

i wish for everyone here a similar moment of timeless indulgence. in the day to day flow of obligation and expectation, i encourage you to find a moment to ignore the demands of the clock and take pleasure in this mutual interest we all share. gentlemen, i wish for you all a truly excellent shave.

Wow. That was extremely true and equally well put. I think you took everyone's thoughts and voiced them as well as could be done. I am just getting started in wetshaving and will be enjoying this time.

[bearbear]

Forum lurking for mustache wax threads and this came up...op i couldn't agree more. The worst part is, i was oblivious to it until september of 08 whe i took a lit class that focused on the "myths of modernity" or PEPSI - progress, effeciency, perfection, satisfaction and innovation.All operate as systems of deferral promising a goal that is always receding further away as we sacrifice ourselves in the pursuit of it.-G.M. Leonard

that is to say, we've been so f*ckin brainwashed by commercials selling aerosol draincleaner as deoderant that will get the females to rape you...that we've completely lost meaning in our lives. Very little is about the here and now, introspection, and just being. Acheivement of goals has become an all or nothing, rather than something to work towards. They keep getting unrealistically further from attainable.

I get up every morning and wetshave because thats the way my father, grand father, and ancestors did it. Sure its hygenic, but Its a ritual, not an addiction, like most things these days, and it centers me. I body build because damn, there are few things in this world better than a good pump, a general sense of well being and the sense of accomplishment when you're done your workout. We're all roaming this earth till the day we drop/are struck dead. Its not the end result that gives it pleasure, meaning or success, its the journey that does. I'm not in a rush to get there, just want to relax and take it easy.

[Walt Whitman]

drandall,

Having joined B&B today, how fortunate I am to have wandered to your post.

A true poet-philosopher in our midst!

The breakneck speed in this desert of soulless, modern life drives a gentleman to carve out an oasis where time loses its meaning, where only the shear enjoyment of the present moment exists and where the world stands at bay.

And that indulgence carries within it more of the truth of life than we probably admit to ourselves.

It evokes more than wonder that the path the world is on, is not the one which should be trod.

[curtis909]

a few weeks ago, i found myself in the position of trying to explain my newfound interest in traditional wet shaving to a friend of mine. he's a thoroughly modern fellow and he uses modern shaving tools because, well...it's what modern guys do.

as i described the process to him, the paraphernalia, the pleasure, the advantages....one item provoked the strongest reaction. he was dismayed and appalled that i took 20 minutes to shave in the morning and that's really when it hit me. when you look at the rise of technology and the death of manly rituals, inevitably the clock is to blame. we have sacrificed a whole host of pleasures on the altar of time and we are ultimately the poorer for it.

the pipe gives way to the cigarette. the ocean liner gives way to the airplane. the restaurant becomes the drive-through and the conversation becomes the text message...and all because we, as men, continue to believe that if we could just save a bit more time in our day we'd be able to really get to the things we wanted to do. ironically, in the pursuit of having enough time to do what we want we are forced to dilute or discard the very things we wanted in the first place...and so our vitality dwindles away with every tick of the relentless clock.

perhaps that is why in some sense we're all here at B&B. we want to recapture a forgotten pleasure. we want to revel in the luxury of choosing what we do with our morning routine and most of all, we want to remember the simple joy of not taking the quickest or most expedient road, but the sweet meandering path of our own curiosity.

this weekend as i was rushing through a morning shave i thought about all of this. i took a breath, and remembered that there was nothing on the agenda that couldn't wait just a few minutes more. in the moment of that realization, i became once again the master of the clock instead of its servant and my little daily ritual took on an added sweetness that hadn't been there just a moment before.

i wish for everyone here a similar moment of timeless indulgence. in the day to day flow of obligation and expectation, i encourage you to find a moment to ignore the demands of the clock and take pleasure in this mutual interest we all share. gentlemen, i wish for you all a truly excellent shave.

well said my friend well said....and you threw a john lennon quote in too. Well done....:001_smile

[itb76]

A number of years ago I read a comment that most men today are only good at two things, whatever they do at work and watching sports. That's a sad state of affairs.

I'll admit I'm in a hurry a lot of the time, and I don't really like the fact that DE shaving takes more time, but if it does a better job I'm all for it. Like making espresso instead of drip coffee, grilling dinner over charcoal, hand washing the car, or changing your own oil, certain things are worth the time. I stop short of ironing my own shirts, however.


...By the time I'm 50 people will probably have robots that can auto-shave and auto-dress them in 30 seconds and will be expected to work 12 hour days since they'll have "saved" so much time...

A lot of people work 12 hour days now.

[some kind of ugly]

Here here!:a14:

[itb76]

...Like making espresso instead of drip coffee...

Just occurred to me, most people don't make coffee at home, they go to Starbucks or the gas station. :eek:

[Eman]

I am new here and I think your post says it all. I have fond memories of my Grandfather shaving with his DE before his morning coffee. He was never in a hurry and always had a kind word for everyone.

[raven1]

I totally agree, except that text messaging is superior to verbal conversations. :)

[Venom]

as i described the process to him, the paraphernalia, the pleasure, the advantages....one item provoked the strongest reaction. he was dismayed and appalled that i took 20 minutes to shave in the morning and that's really when it hit me. when you look at the rise of technology and the death of manly rituals, inevitably the clock is to blame. we have sacrificed a whole host of pleasures on the altar of time and we are ultimately the poorer for it.




I am humbled by this sentence alone.
+1 This is really good post.

[Blade II]

here here!

[Jack45]

That was great.

Last night I watched Charlie Rose interview Duke professor and author of 38 books, Reynolds Price. Price related a story a friend told him about his mother's dying words to her son:

I regret only my economies.

Isn't that what this is all about... not regretting time well spent?

Have a good day.

John

[tsmba]

Just saw this post....and I love it! IMHO, it should be plastered in a prominent place for all to see.

[adamant]

Great post. I am currently building a bookshelf, despite that fact that I could save time, and maybe even a little money by just going to ikea. Though, that one wouldn't be solid wood, the exact dimensions I want, the color I want, nor made by yours truely. I also recently built a radiator cover (that did save quite a bit of money). It is all much more fun to do it yourself, I think.

[Blade II]

this post has stuck with me. I think you have the start of a really good article here.

[The Invisible Edge]

tempora mutantur nos et mutamur in illis - not always a good thing and sometimes a bad one. But how can we decide?

[Quickshave]

Thank you for the insightful post.

[NZDavid]

So you save time -- for what exactly?

The Europeans have, or had, the idea that you work to live, not the other way round. Food is the prime example. It's just energy, so why not just pop some multivitamins and hurry on with work? Not much fun, though. Food is so much more -- sharing taste and flavors, ambience, conversation.

People say they don't have time to read newspapers or magazines any more. But if these are important, they make time.

The notion that technology makes life easier is a fallacy. It can make it far more complex. There are too many choices. Sometimes the simpler solutions --- slow cooking, books, wet shaving -- are the more ultimately satisfying.

[gregs656]

I got something else to add to this, I was chatting to my maths teacher who is Italian and lives how he wants to pretty much, on his own and simply.

I admire this, but not everyone in our class understood his c'est la vie attitude to life, so he explained with this story.

There's a man sitting on a beach, doing absolutely nothing. Another man comes up to him and asks why he isn't doing anything, why doesn't he fish?

'why would I want to fish, I'm happy doing nothing for a while'

'If you fish, then you can catch fish and sell them, then you can buy a boat and catch more fish. Eventually, you can buy a bigger boat and employ people and catch even more fish. One day, you will be able to employ people to run your company and you can sit around and do nothing'

'I'm already doing nothing.'

I liked that. I certainly fall into the work to live category my self.

[MajorBurnz]

Wow!! I've only been sifting through B&B for a few days, and I've already found so many insights into life in general that have made me think. The original post here has to be one of the best thought out and well written of these insights.

While technilogy, like computers and the internet, has made our lives that much faster, itthey also helps by allowing us to get in touch with other people. For instance, I just read a post that was written over a year ago, and it has brightened my life a little bit.

In the old days, when towns were smaller, people tended to know and interact with more of their neighbours than they do now. Perhaps technology gives us a substitute (albeit not a very good one) for that.

Still, places like B&B allow people from all over the world to interact with and learn from each other, for that we should be thankful.

[Big Red Dog]

David, what a great post. I have been trying to explain this to my future son-in-law and I'm not sure if he gets it. Maybe if I texted it to him he might take the time to read it!

R.C. Clifford

[Bulldawg]

I got something else to add to this, I was chatting to my maths teacher who is Italian and lives how he wants to pretty much, on his own and simply.

I admire this, but not everyone in our class understood his c'est la vie attitude to life, so he explained with this story.

There's a man sitting on a beach, doing absolutely nothing. Another man comes up to him and asks why he isn't doing anything, why doesn't he fish?

'why would I want to fish, I'm happy doing nothing for a while'

'If you fish, then you can catch fish and sell them, then you can buy a boat and catch more fish. Eventually, you can buy a bigger boat and employ people and catch even more fish. One day, you will be able to employ people to run your company and you can sit around and do nothing'

'I'm already doing nothing.'

I liked that. I certainly fall into the work to live category my self.

This reminds me of one of my favorite Office Space quotes:

"Well, you don't need a million dollars to do nothing, man. Take a look at my cousin: he's broke, don't do sh&t." :biggrin:

I probably lean more towards the work to live category myself :thumbsup:

[Merlin]

[loosely on the topic of "manly skills"...]


I'm reminded of this piece, from a book by Robert A Heinlein:

A man should be able to
change a diaper,
plan an invasion,
butcher a hog,
commandeer a ship,
design a building,
write a sonnet,
balance accounts,
build a wall,
set a bone,
comfort the dying,
take orders,
give orders,
cooperate,
act alone,
solve equations,
analyze a new problem,
pitch manure,
program a computer,
cook a tasty meal,
fight efficiently,
die gallantly.

Specialization is for insects.

[New Orleans]

[loosely on the topic of "manly skills"...]


I'm reminded of this piece, from a book by Robert A Heinlein:

A man should be able to
change a diaper,
plan an invasion,
butcher a hog,
commandeer a ship,
design a building,
write a sonnet,
balance accounts,
build a wall,
set a bone,
comfort the dying,
take orders,
give orders,
cooperate,
act alone,
solve equations,
analyze a new problem,
pitch manure,
program a computer,
cook a tasty meal,
fight efficiently,
die gallantly.

Specialization is for insects.

Interesting quote.

[Merlin]

It actually took a bit of googling to find out. The quote itself is all over the internet, but eventually I found it's from a book called "Time Enough For Love".

I knew I had read it before; I might have to track it down and read it again, now...

[jjmitchem]

got a link for that?

[Merlin]

got a link for that?

http://isohunt.com/torrent_details/33487417/heinlein?tab=summary

you don't have to download the whole thing, just the file(s) you want.

[r0ckrat]

It actually took a bit of googling to find out. The quote itself is all over the internet, but eventually I found it's from a book called "Time Enough For Love".

I knew I had read it before; I might have to track it down and read it again, now...

One of his newer and still great stories, for sure. After "Time Enough for Love" pick up "The Number of the Beast" - incredibly funny story that ties in very well with the other.

Fabulous thread. Thanks to all that have added thoughtful responses.

[hillikus]

I can't let this one go without commenting on how wonderful this post was to read.

I'm pretty new around here and to wet shaving in general, but not so much to the things that really make you look around at what you have. My mom(who shares the same passions that I do) once told me that I have an old soul, and this really struck me. It really got me thinking and I came to realize that she was exactly correct. I think that is one thing that we all share, here at B&B, is that to some extent we all have, at least in part, an old soul. I, for instance, am a 26 year old wet shaving, woodworking, pipe smoking, wannabe farmer/blacksmith/lots of other things. I believe in a handshake, ride a bike most days, don't have a texting plan on my cell phone and I am capable of telling time on an analog clock. All of these seem to be skills or hobbies that are being lost in the shuffle nowadays. Reminds me of a quote from the movie Shawshank Redemption when Brooks says in his letter to the boys, "The world went and got itself in a big damn hurry." Well Mr. Brooks Hatlen, I agree.

So it seems that I've started to ramble and stray from the intent of my post, so back on topic. Great post, thank you for putting into such eloquent terms something that we all feel.

-H

[dpmtherrien]

Very well put. At one time I looked at shaving as something one had to put up with, and I really did not enjoy the process. It was just something that had to be done before one went on to other things. Having found this old classic of wet shaving I now look forward to each shave. Its time for me, time for myself, and I now enjoy each shave. I take between 20 to 30 min. and get the most out of each shave. Its time for me, and the results are well worth that small amount of time. :tongue:

Paul

[mr00jimbo]

I had a nice reply but it refreshed and it got deleted.

Anyway, modern day gentlemen are often dubbed metrosexuals because wet shaving takes time and shows you care about yourself. God forbid! So you're supposed to rush with a half-dull tool and cheap cream. But taking a long time in the bathroom is a frowned upon characteristic of the modern-day man.

Taking pride in your appearance, taking "too long" in the bathroom, etc. are all things that are seen as vain or undesireable for modern-day man, who is supposed to do everything instantaniously.
I hate trying to get a smooth shave, and hearing *knock knock* "hurry up! You gonna be long in there?!"

Ironically, many men strive for the "just woke up and don't care about my appearance" look. I say ironic because it's a look that costs $$$$ and takes time and effort to make somebody look like they don't care about their appearance in a fashionable way; perfect 5 O'clock shadow, ripped designer jeans/clothes, etc.

[puzle]

This is a great post and is the main reason that I have been wet shaving for the past decade. Just starting to get into older razors now for the same reason. It is a lost craft/art and is something that you can do for yourself. This is the same reason that I collect automatic watches. I work in tech all day but in my off time want to get back to basics.

[lve2ride]

Hi all,

Reading some of these thoughts by others really seem to strike a chord with me. In the last few years I have taken to wearing hats...thats right hats not Baseball caps. Given up cigarettes and learned the joy of pipe smoking and now getting back into wet shaving again. Maybe I am getting older and wiser.

Have a good life

Lve2ride

Age 48

[Smoothy]

That is one beautiful post! Well said and so true! The reason why I decided to pick up straight razor shaving because I wanted to indulge in those 20 minutes of peace in my bathroom and just focus on this one task. And I am loving it more every single day even though it means getting up earlier.
Our Art is one of Life's little luxuries and I truly feel sorry for those who only rush through the task of removing their facial with a disposable Gillette or, all Deities forbid, an electric rasor.

[mrbeckett]

And what happened to all that time we save? How many people only have to work a thirty-hour week becuse of all the time-saving devices? Or have time to write a novel and take up mountain-climbing? When my old granny served chicken for dinner, first she had to chase one down and kill it and pluck it. My wife grabs one out of the refrigerator, ready to go. And compains that "there just aren't enough hours in the day". What happened? I think we have all been diddled on this "time-saving" stuff.

This is my complaint put almost exactly. Amen, brother!
We spend so much time trying to save time that our quality of life suffers. It also seems that people struggle so hard in all of this saved time to acquire crap that they don't need. Why, you ask? The answer is simple. People think they must have these items to live a luxurious life. So a man goes out and works two full-time jobs so he can afford the new car, the plasma television, and the designer clothes, but he has no time to enjoy them.

I can more pleasure from the simple things in life, such as a quality relaxing shower and shave, a good book, good music, or sitting on the front porch in the company of my friends and neighbors than most people, I'm afraid, will know in a lifetime, and I don't need to work myself to death to have them.

I suppose that's why I'm here, to share with others the joy of one of the things that brings such pleasure to my "save time."

[Jack45]

Wow, that's a seriously well thought out post, it got me to thinking.

In the east they have Tai Chi and Yoga, in the middle east they have prayers and coffee rituals, I'm not educated on Africa, but I'd bet they have a ritual that takes time.

These are times in the day to take a step back and think of nothing but what we are doing at the time. It's a kind of meditation to my mind. For all of us here on B&B that time is our morning shave.

I think Martin Luther King Jr said something to the effect "The more time in the day I spent praying the more time I had."

We all need our down time doing something we love.
A quote similar to yours ("I have so much to do that if I didn’t spend at least three hours a day in prayer I would never get it all done”) has been attributed to the other, earlier Martin Luther: http://knol.google.com/k/julian-l-freeman/luther-on-prayer/vhr71n1u7gm1/10#

Dr. Luther himself was rather prone to exaggeration in his writings, but that simply makes him more human in my view.

[Meriadoc]

as i described the process to him, the paraphernalia, the pleasure, the advantages....one item provoked the strongest reaction. he was dismayed and appalled that i took 20 minutes to shave in the morning and that's really when it hit me. when you look at the rise of technology and the death of manly rituals, inevitably the clock is to blame. we have sacrificed a whole host of pleasures on the altar of time and we are ultimately the poorer for it.

the pipe gives way to the cigarette. the ocean liner gives way to the airplane. the restaurant becomes the drive-through and the conversation becomes the text message...and all because we, as men, continue to believe that if we could just save a bit more time in our day we'd be able to really get to the things we wanted to do. ironically, in the pursuit of having enough time to do what we want we are forced to dilute or discard the very things we wanted in the first place...and so our vitality dwindles away with every tick of the relentless clock.

perhaps that is why in some sense we're all here at B&B. we want to recapture a forgotten pleasure. we want to revel in the luxury of choosing what we do with our morning routine and most of all, we want to remember the simple joy of not taking the quickest or most expedient road, but the sweet meandering path of our own curiosity.

This is something that I've been noticing and thinking about for some time, too. The modern world may have many great things going for it, but it has definitely caused us to sacrifice too much in the name of "saving time", and it's getting worse every day. However, this has been mentioned time and time again in this thread, so I won't mention it further.

I just wanted to say that this thread was very interesting reading and helped me make my decision to return to using a D.E. razor. I had already been thinking about the idea simply because the blades were cheap, but I hadn't realized that it was possible to enjoy a shave. And, I must admit, I have enjoyed my recent shaves, although it could just be the sense of satisfaction that I've been getting from using an "obsolete method" of shaving. :smile:

I also wanted to mention an observation that I've made: many people have written about the resurgence of wet-shaving; how many people around the world are rediscovering the many advantages of the D.E. razor over a cartridge razor, etc.
But, it's occurred to me that one of the things that almost everyone writing these posts has in common is a lot of free time (and I'm no exception). We can afford to spend the extra time to do a good shave in the morning, but I think that some of us, in our efforts to denigrate the cartridge razors and convert everyone back to the D.E. razor, are forgetting that not everyone has the time to use a D.E. razor properly.
Yes, it is a shame that so many people are so rushed, but that doesn't change the fact that they are. While I, too, would love to see more people using the traditional methods of shaving, I won't forget that, in the modern world, many people simply have more important things to do.

That said, I'm going to go shave now....

[mbrossar]

As I read this thread, it reminds me of a parallel I recently drew between cooking and shaving. A microwave is to cooking what cartridges are to shaving. Sure, they'll do an acceptable job, and they'll do it fast, but you'll never cook a gourmet meal in a microwave. Neither are you likely to get a great shave from a cartridge and a can of goo. But our mileage varies and we all want something different out of life. Yup, lots of people simply want more time in their day. Me? I want a little more quality. So, I use a DE. I rarely use a microwave. I like to listen to classical music or jazz and share a nice bottle of wine with my wife. Life moves too fast, and I find the older you get, the faster it moves. Faster's not always better. Do yourself a favor. Take the time to find out what you like and take the time to enjoy it. As my wife is fond of saying, you only live once.

Enjoy!

[Meriadoc]

As I read this thread, it reminds me of a parallel I recently drew between cooking and shaving. A microwave is to cooking what cartridges are to shaving. ...... I want a little more quality. So, I use a DE. I rarely use a microwave. I like to listen to classical music or jazz and share a nice bottle of wine with my wife. ...... Take the time to find out what you like and take the time to enjoy it. As my wife is fond of saying, you only live once.

This is so very true; we do only live once, and every moment should be enjoyed. Much of what I do in life is stuff that may seem antiquated in the modern, fast-paced world, but it makes me happy. I prefer not to rush when doing anything; instead, I take the time to do it right and enjoy the process.

The most relevant example for here is that instead of showers, I prefer nice, hot baths; they lend themselves nicely to both relaxing with a good book and then shaving with plenty of hot water near at hand and a lot less mess to clean up afterward. It takes time; I spend about an hour between the book, razor, and bath. But, then, I do it all at night before going to bed, so I'm not rushed by the need to hurry off to work, and so I enjoy the whole thing more than I ever enjoy a quick shower before work.

[Clockwork]

Very well said! I think people are starting to take pleasure in the little rituals again though. People are starting to cook meals again rather than going out, people are spending time together rather than in front of the tv, and I have several friends that have discovered the pleasure of taking the time for a good wet shave rather then electrics and cartridges. Part of it is due to the economic situation, it seems when times are hard people start to enjoy the little pleasures of life the most.

[Johnny_Z]

The thing all those people are making more time for is work. Making money for someone else.

More time for the self is the cure for many ailments.

[Oden_Flagship]

What is the point of a modern convenience if not to save us time? Human nature is to spend that time working harder and longer for some or for others improving the ass imprint on the couch.

For me, I strive to spend my time learning new things, reading, writing, and actually making tangible goods. Shaving right, roasting coffee, extracting honey from a comb. I know a lot of guys who just want to shave in 4 seconds and go to work, but i'm finding that if you slow down at the things you do and really take it all in that the day feels longer, feels better and ultimately makes me happier. what's the point in doing everything fast if you're not enjoying what you do?

Kudos to wet shaving and to guys who wanna do everything the right way - because it's better - even if it takes longer.

[Eldragon]

Guys its true it tough to be a man these days. We are expected to bring home the bacon and help cook it now a day. I know that women do a lot and most also work, but we have to take time for us. Time for us just to be MEN... Even if is just a few minute at night its a start..

[DrHouse]

Excellent post! I'm brand new here at B&B, and have only been oldschool shaving for a few weeks. I have caught amazing amounts of hassle for my adoption of older ways, even though, or perhaps because of, the fact that I work in IT. I prefer to drive manual cars. I prefer to forgo the cartridge, or God forbid, the electric shave. I think that sometimes we just need to step back from the modern world and embrace the old ways, just so we don't lose sight of where we've come from in our hurry to get where we're going.

[danster.shay]

I'm I.T. too, as are many whose profiles I've read on this site. I've not yet revealed my D.E. wetshaving to my coworkers for these same reasons. I personally feel "embiggened" (what a cromulent word) by the fact that I do some things "the old way." I enjoy smoking a pipe, I enjoy wet shaving with a DE, and I enjoyed the nights my friends and I spent in the college days around an actual fire pit that I DUG (not your mamby pamby prefabbed cast iron pit with a screen over it that you buy at lowes). We'd sit by the fire drinking and politely discussing everything but politics and religion ;) while listening to "BIG BAND SATURDAY NIGHT" on the radio (unless it was Sunday).
Good times.

The old ways are the good ways. You've all said it about 217 times. We speed through things "half-a$$ed" and forget what life is about.


Peace

[SRock]

Guys, this post got me thinking...

I have to tell you I am a truly lucky guy. My wife doesn't work. How does that make me lucky? Well, like me she feels that if she isn't working her job is to not only be a house wife but to be the best housewife she can. Our house is always clean, I want for nothing and unless I'm BBQing dinner is always ready when I get home from work. My wife also works out a couple of hours a day, not only to stay in shape but because she knows I find her attractive as she is now.

None of this is meant to sound shallow, but I am blessed to have a wife that sees our household in what many would call a "traditional" sense. I have a modern wife with a much more responsible mentality that many think was lost with our Grandparents (or parents for some of you older gents). :biggrin:

[ateace]

this weekend as i was rushing through a morning shave i thought about all of this. i took a breath, and remembered that there was nothing on the agenda that couldn't wait just a few minutes more. in the moment of that realization, i became once again the master of the clock instead of its servant and my little daily ritual took on an added sweetness that hadn't been there just a moment before.


This is precisely why I began to shave on Saturdays. In the past, shaving on the weekend meant I had a social obligation that required me to look neat and groomed. Now, I do it every Saturday, just so I can take a little extra time to enjoy the process and the results.

[Zeb]

Superb. Our parents and grandparents did not have to deal with processing and making sense of the bombardment of information that the modern world pipes into our homes every day. I purposely use a pen and ink, my organiser is paper based and my cell phone is a basic model (have to have it for work). I have just started to DE shave this week and yes it is zen pure and simple. I have used a motto for years (not my own originally but I like it)...Excellence through Simplicity.

[Craig the barber]

Wow...great post!

[rsvossen]

Well said sir. I must say the first thing that got me to straight razor shaving is to improve the results (and stop that annoying skin irritation). I look forward to my shave everyday, before all the rushing and hurrying madness begins! I don't skip a day very often, but when I do skip a day I miss the shave and the little time of peace so much.

[le_paulo]

I've noticed an increasing trend to try to have a quicker shave now that I'm becoming more experienced with the DE. But I still love the slow quiet shaves from time to time.

[SRock]

I've noticed an increasing trend to try to have a quicker shave now that I'm becoming more experienced with the DE. But I still love the slow quiet shaves from time to time.

I think many of us go through this. Monday through Friday my goal is a complete DFS shave, typically as quick as I can. However, on weekends I take my time and enjoy every minute of every step.

[VaHomebrewer]

Guys, this post got me thinking...

I have to tell you I am a truly lucky guy. My wife doesn't work. How does that make me lucky? Well, like me she feels that if she isn't working her job is to not only be a house wife but to be the best housewife she can. Our house is always clean, I want for nothing and unless I'm BBQing dinner is always ready when I get home from work. My wife also works out a couple of hours a day, not only to stay in shape but because she knows I find her attractive as she is now.

None of this is meant to sound shallow, but I am blessed to have a wife that sees our household in what many would call a "traditional" sense. I have a modern wife with a much more responsible mentality that many think was lost with our Grandparents (or parents for some of you older gents). :biggrin:

And your post had me thinking a similar thing. My wife made the decision to quit her job about 2 years ago when our oldest son was about 1. To her (and me) it is more important to stay home with the kids in the traditional way than for her to contribute to the family finances. The decision was not easy from a financial point of view, but the result has been fantastic and we know we're doing right by our kids.

The house isn't usually clean when I come home and my wife uses cooking dinner as an excuse to take a break from the kids while I play with them. I'm very lucky to have the luxury of allowing a parent to stay home. DE shaving - even though this is my first week doing it - is a similar luxury for me in regards to time. It is my excuse to take a break from the world and enjoy something that is actually quite inexpensive.

[SRock]

And your post had me thinking a similar thing. My wife made the decision to quit her job about 2 years ago when our oldest son was about 1. To her (and me) it is more important to stay home with the kids in the traditional way than for her to contribute to the family finances. The decision was not easy from a financial point of view, but the result has been fantastic and we know we're doing right by our kids.

The house isn't usually clean when I come home and my wife uses cooking dinner as an excuse to take a break from the kids while I play with them. I'm very lucky to have the luxury of allowing a parent to stay home. DE shaving - even though this is my first week doing it - is a similar luxury for me in regards to time. It is my excuse to take a break from the world and enjoy something that is actually quite inexpensive.

That is very admirable. I think we (the USA) could benefit a great deal if more people felt this way.

[Chrisjops]

The sheer number of responses to this post attests to the truth within it.

Wet shaving has helped me start the day slower and saner.

I couldn't agree more. Well said.

[StylinLA]

I recently discovered this forum and enjoy all the comments. I am always amazed to find out what little thought men I know put in to their shave.
I found out my boss shaved everyday by "lathering up" with Lever 2000! The horror!

I've been a fan of AOS since it came out. Love Trumper and just tried TOBS.

Why hurry through a daily ritual when it can be made so enjoyable so easily? I'm not a fan of beards, and frankly would look horrible in one. So I invest the time and money to make this daily ritual a source of pleasure. It doesn't take that long and it's not that pricey either.

I'm sure someone has covered it in here, but I'd bet my AOS shaving soap far outlasts many, many cans of Barbasol.

Now I've got to poke around in here more and see if I can convince myself I'm really better off with a Merkur than my Mach 3....

[Cactusjack901]

I have recently begun my foray into the world of wetshaving with my brush and soap, and already it makes me enjoy shaving oh so much more. Rather than taking my multiblade, and zip bam boom done. I find myself taking it and shaving carefully, making sure I stop in the proper places (goatee). I figure, if I take so much time to make my lather, and apply said lather, why skimp on the actual process of shaving. This will soon change when I get my DE razor, I'll be spending even more time shaving. As it is, I take a good 10 minutes to shave, and it is usually the best 10 minutes of the day. We, as men, have strayed too far from the true peak of manliness, the mid to late 1800s. As a whole, we no longer spend the proper amount of time on shaving (although those of us here at B&B do), we no longer eat a proper breakfast (for those of us who actually eat breakfast), and social gatherings have devolved into a form that I rather do not enjoy, although that could be due to my age of but 18 years. Starting with shaving, we should revive the forgotten art of manliness.

[LayAl]

+3

[sir_towel_rack]

This thread's endurance has been very telling - the OP makes an excellent point. If only more people 'got' the value of slowing down and not rushing through life.

I was on a trip recently where I had to explain what my shaving soap / brush was. The guy (a friend) launched into a rant about how I was worrying (about my appearance/health?? not sure) and using such products were just proving that I'm wound up tight and taking life too seriously. I couldn't convince him otherwise, and he probably still believes me to be anal and incapable of relaxing. (He shaves irregularly with water only and sees no value in it - I asked)

[Schmitty_78]

This is precisely why I began to shave on Saturdays. In the past, shaving on the weekend meant I had a social obligation that required me to look neat and groomed. Now, I do it every Saturday, just so I can take a little extra time to enjoy the process and the results.

Here here to that. I used to always look forward to the weekend when I could just let go and not worry about shaving... but that was because I had to rush through it. When I know it is going to be even more of an experience because I can take ALL the time in the world. Well... then it becomes a euphoric experience. :cool::biggrin::cool:

[gerwen]

Here here to that. I used to always look forward to the weekend when I could just let go and not worry about shaving... but that was because I had to rush through it. When I know it is going to be even more of an experience because I can take ALL the time in the world. Well... then it becomes a euphoric experience. :cool::biggrin::cool:
My experience exactly. Never shaved on the weekends. Now I have a nice relaxing shave at whatever time of day i choose.

[pallan]

Wonderful, thoughtful....a masterpiece of observation! I simply say thanks.

[Christopher_loaf]

I couldn't agree more. Well said.


I guess I'm one of the few people that rarely shaves in the morning. I shave typically around 3-345 in the afternoon. I work at UPS loading trailers so there's no sense in showering before I go. So, I shower after I go to work then shave after that. However, I do use that as the time to unwind and take a break from the day so aside from the purpose of clearing the forest of whiskers from my face, it does still provide a relaxing experience.

[Macion grey]

I sometimes have to remind myself to take my time with things. Often, I will hotbox a cigar, speed through shaving and read something without absorbing it at all, and all these things should be relaxing and enjoyable.

Still, I am getting better. I only wished everyone around me could slow down too. Why are we all in such a hurry nowadays?

[Hoos]

and all because we, as men, continue to believe that if we could just save a bit more time in our day we'd be able to really get to the things we wanted to do. ironically, in the pursuit of having enough time to do what we want we are forced to dilute or discard the very things we wanted in the first place...and so our vitality dwindles away with every tick of the relentless clock.


Excellent post. And something everyone (man or woman) should ponder.

I've wondered, for quite some time now, just what we're rushing toward. We've let the devices that were to give us more leisure time completely take over our lives to the point that work/life are nearly inseparable. The only thing that's ever any nearer is death. That project will be there tomorrow. Your kid's first steps could be history by then.

I think your premise that engaging in old-fashioned shaving is one way we slow down has some merit.

Slow down. Enjoy. Life.

[maskaggs]

Can I get an Amen?!?!

+1 to you, friend.

I'd like to point out that there are two groups of people safeguarding the sacred halls of manliness: the older gentleman who have steadfastly maintained the tradition of manly rituals, and the younger generation (of which I am unabashedly a member :) ) who have picked up the torch from the ground onto which it has been cast by the hordes of modernism. I offer my gratitude to those older - nay, wiser - men who have refused to let these wonderful rituals die, and to my fellow gentlemen who aren't afraid to get against the grain (no pun intended) of current trends. Onward!

[donkennison]

The only thing missing was the National Anthem and a flag in the back drop. Well said! I am a 40 year old thats just realized how much I missed being in the fast lane.

[jkchuma]

"Time you enjoyed wasting, was not wasted." -- John Lennon

Shaving with a cartridge razor and gel was a chore. Shaving with a DE razor, brush, soap/bowl, and questing after the perfect shave is enjoyable. I don't mind taking the extra time to turn a chore into something I look forward to. :thumbup1:

[grump]

Ah, a wonderful post that is ever so true and I am glad I had the opportunity to read it.

I believe life in general is way to short and complex not to take the time to enjoy the things that give you pleasure.

I once was asked, why I get up so early before I have to leave for work?
Well, I answered, that I had a few things I do In the morning(shave, cook myself breakfast, and pack my lunch) that I didn't want to be rushed at and that it puts me in the correct mindset for the day.

I watched a number of people pass on, that never took the time to enjoy a few simple pleasures, were always on the go and that is the way they left this world.

So yes people, take back time and enjoy, for you know not what tomorrow brings!

[Mr. O]

a few weeks ago, i found myself in the position of trying to explain my newfound interest in traditional wet shaving to a friend of mine. he's a thoroughly modern fellow and he uses modern shaving tools because, well...it's what modern guys do.

as i described the process to him, the paraphernalia, the pleasure, the advantages....one item provoked the strongest reaction. he was dismayed and appalled that i took 20 minutes to shave in the morning and that's really when it hit me. when you look at the rise of technology and the death of manly rituals, inevitably the clock is to blame. we have sacrificed a whole host of pleasures on the altar of time and we are ultimately the poorer for it.

the pipe gives way to the cigarette. the ocean liner gives way to the airplane. the restaurant becomes the drive-through and the conversation becomes the text message...and all because we, as men, continue to believe that if we could just save a bit more time in our day we'd be able to really get to the things we wanted to do. ironically, in the pursuit of having enough time to do what we want we are forced to dilute or discard the very things we wanted in the first place...and so our vitality dwindles away with every tick of the relentless clock.

perhaps that is why in some sense we're all here at B&B. we want to recapture a forgotten pleasure. we want to revel in the luxury of choosing what we do with our morning routine and most of all, we want to remember the simple joy of not taking the quickest or most expedient road, but the sweet meandering path of our own curiosity.

this weekend as i was rushing through a morning shave i thought about all of this. i took a breath, and remembered that there was nothing on the agenda that couldn't wait just a few minutes more. in the moment of that realization, i became once again the master of the clock instead of its servant and my little daily ritual took on an added sweetness that hadn't been there just a moment before.

i wish for everyone here a similar moment of timeless indulgence. in the day to day flow of obligation and expectation, i encourage you to find a moment to ignore the demands of the clock and take pleasure in this mutual interest we all share. gentlemen, i wish for you all a truly excellent shave.


That was by far the most wonderful, most articulate, poetic post I have ever read. It's like philosophy on the edge of reality. Great post!!!!

[itb76]

And your post had me thinking a similar thing. My wife made the decision to quit her job about 2 years ago when our oldest son was about 1. To her (and me) it is more important to stay home with the kids in the traditional way than for her to contribute to the family finances. The decision was not easy from a financial point of view, but the result has been fantastic and we know we're doing right by our kids.

My wife and I made the same decision when our second came along 10 years ago, we now have four great kids. It's a luxury not everyone can afford these days, but since we can we'll do it. I just wish I had time to homebrew anymore, the kids enjoy throwing the hops in.

[sevsone]

Amen to that. Very well said. Words to live by, as many of us here do.

[whistleman123]

Great Post! Try reading "IN PRAISE OF SLOWNESS" by Carl Honore. A whole book on slowing your pace of life. I'm still working on slowing down and wet shaving (single edge with a Gem) is one of the more enjoyable excercises I practice!

[Sarfa]

the pipe gives way to the cigarette. the ocean liner gives way to the airplane. the restaurant becomes the drive-through and the conversation becomes the text message...and all because we, as men, continue to believe that if we could just save a bit more time in our day we'd be able to really get to the things we wanted to do. ironically, in the pursuit of having enough time to do what we want we are forced to dilute or discard the very things we wanted in the first place...and so our vitality dwindles away with every tick of the relentless clock.

That paragraph is a thing of beauty. :001_smile

Thank you for sharing! :thumbup1:

Sarfa

[zimmer]

I stopped shaving with my Gillette Fatboy(or some adustable) back in the seventies, after falling for the propaganda of the Trac 2 or whatever the first cartridge blade was. The demise of the DE was, of course, due the possibility of increased profits from selling little pieces of plastic for 4x the amount of a DE blade. New handles came out with new, "advanced" blades with the promise of a closer and closer shave.
As time progressed, I, like many of my contemporaries, became dissatisfied with the plastics and sought better ways to shave. In my case, I tried Schick Micromatic and eventually, Panasonic, with decent results but not without a significant number of passes and lots of irritation post-shave.
I never thought of shaving as a luxury....just something I did every day but I think the plastic shavers allowed one to hurry whereas the DE required (especially with Blue Blades) the shaver to use slow, smooth strokes.
Finally, within the last few weeks, I noticed that DE blades were still on the shelf which meant that there were significant numbers of folks using safety razors once again.
A google found a plethora of razors and sites, this being one. I purchased my first DE in years.....a Gillette Super Speed and then, after realizing that the exposure was too mild, found a Fatboy. #9 works well for me and I've since found a Merkur Slant and just bought a New Long comb to try. The technique came back within one shave and the results made me wonder why I ever stopped using a DE.
Since switching, I've convinced a few friends to try wet shaving again. Some love it, some think it's crazy. I even talked my dog's vet...a wonderful young lady in her forties, to go back to DE shaving. She's tried it again, and is hooked.
There is something nostalgic and a bit magical about shaving with an instrument that was made decade ago and it's great to know that the giant razor companies cannot improve the old technology...no matter how many blades they stick on a cartridge.

[mattfrye]

I attribute (at least in part) my interest in proper wet shaving to this article from last January... http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/

Good stuff on that site. I'm not affiliated with it except as a reader, but I've learned a lot.

[charliebpdx]

here here well said!

[maj_planb]

I couldn't say it better and I can't praise any better than those who already have. I just want to add my voice to the ground swell of appreciation. Thank you.